What is the current EPF interest rate for 2025-26?+
The EPFO has declared EPF interest rate at 8.25% for FY 2023-24 (announced in February 2024). For FY 2024-25, EPFO typically announces the rate in February-March 2025. EPF has maintained rates above 8% for the last decade. Interest is calculated monthly but credited annually to member accounts on 31st March.
What percentage of salary goes to EPF?+
Employee contribution: 12% of Basic + Dearness Allowance (DA) every month. Employer contribution: 12% total, split as — 8.33% to Employee Pension Scheme (EPS) for pension (on max ₹15,000 basic) + 3.67% to EPF account. Additionally, employer pays 0.5% to EDLI (life insurance) + 0.5% EPF admin charges. Total EPF corpus comes from employee 12% + employer 3.67% = 15.67% of basic salary.
When can I withdraw my full EPF amount?+
Full EPF withdrawal is allowed when: You retire (after age 58), You are unemployed for 2+ months (you can withdraw 75% after 1 month, full after 2 months), You permanently settle abroad (NRI status), On death (paid to nominee). Tax-free withdrawal: EPF is tax-free if you've completed 5 years of continuous service. Below 5 years: TDS at 10% (or 34.608% if no PAN submitted).
Can I increase my EPF contribution voluntarily?+
Yes, through Voluntary Provident Fund (VPF). You can contribute more than the mandatory 12% of basic salary — up to 100% of basic + DA. Benefits: Same 8.25% tax-free interest as EPF, 80C deduction on entire contribution, part of EEE category. No employer matching on VPF. VPF is considered the best fixed-income investment in India due to its high risk-free returns with full tax exemption.
What is the UAN number and why is it important?+
UAN (Universal Account Number) is a 12-digit number allotted by EPFO to each EPF member for life. It stays the same even when you change jobs. Benefits: All your PF accounts across different employers are linked to one UAN, Easy online PF balance check, withdrawal, and transfer, KYC verification, and passbook download. Activate your UAN at unifiedportal-mem.epfindia.gov.in using your Aadhaar and mobile number.