PF Return Filing

PF Registration is the process for establishments or employers to enroll with the Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) to participate in the Provident Fund (PF) scheme. PF employer registration is essential for all organizations having 20 or more employees and voluntary for those having less than 20 employees. PF return filing is a monthly process for employers registered under the Provident Fund Scheme, requiring comprehensive reports submitted to the EPFO. Employers must submit various data points from PF return filing, including employee details, contributions made by both employers and employees, and their PF account number. The business entities that are required to file PF returns are the ones that fall under the EPF and Miscellaneous Provisions Act of 1952.

What are the Advantages of PF Return Filing?

The PF return filing on a regular basis is beneficial for both employer and employees in the following ways:

  • Compliance with Legal Requirements: PF filing regularly ensures legal compliance as it is a legal obligation and also avoids situations of penalties and fines for non-compliance.
  • Security of Employees:PF filing is a key component of an employee’s social security. The regular and timely filing ensures that the PF contributions are correctly recorded and safeguards the financial security of the employee.
  • Taxation Benefits: The regular and consistent filing of PF helps the employers in claiming tax benefits which contributes to the overall financial efficiency of the employee.
  • Organized Record Keeping: The regular filing of PF returns allows the employers to maintain the records of the PF contributions of the employee in a systematic manner.

Important Facts Regarding PF Return Filing

Some of the key procedural guidelines for the EPF return filing in India are:

  • The establishments must ensure that the returns are submitted on a monthly basis within a deadline of 15 days following the end of each month.
  • The electronic filing of the PF returns online by the EPFO portal has been mandated as the submission mode.
  • In case of late filing of the returns after PF return due date, a penalty of ten percent per annum and accrued interest is charged to the establishment.
  • If any errors are identified, then it must be corrected within 60 days following the end of that month.
  • The EPFO must receive a consolidated statement by the establishment at the end of each financial year that includes all the details of PF contributions that were made throughout the year.

Documents Required for PF Return Filing in India

The documents that are required for PF return filing are mentioned below:

  • Account Statement: Canceled check or recent bank statement.
  • Payment Challan: Copy of Provident Fund Payment Challan.
  • PF Contribution List: List of Provident Fund contributions.
  • PAN Card: ID and address proof PAN card of employee and employer.
  • Aadhaar Card: Identity and address proof Aadhaar card of employee and employer.
  • Balance Sheet: Company’s balance sheet information.
  • Monthly Salary Statement: Employee’s pay slips for each month.
  • Certificate of Incorporation: Certificate of company registration, in case of a company.
  • Contribution Amount: The contribution amount of the employer and employee to EPF
  • UAN Details: Details of the Universal Account Number (UAN) having KYC compliance of the employees

PF Online Return Filing Procedure

PF online Return Filing Procedure with one by one step has been mentioned below:

  • Step1: The first step is to ensure that the establishment is registered under the EPF or Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation as has accomplished a PF registration number.
  • Step2: All the necessary data like employer and employee contributions and other necessary details must be collected for filing PF.
  • Step3: To prepare returns accurately, the establishment must use the provided software or the prescribed format provided by EPFO.
  • Step4: The establishment must ensure that the information is double-checked to avoid errors, make sure that the information provided is accurate and ensure compliance with regulations.
  • Step5: After the electronic filing of PF returns via EPFO’s online portal, it must be made sure that it is submitted timely within the specified deadline.
  • Step6: An acknowledgement or receipt must be obtained after the successful submission of the PF returns.
  • Step7: A consolidated statement of all PF contributions must be submitted that were made during the year to the EPFO.

PF Return Filing Due Date

The PF return filing due date is based on the nature of the organization or establishment.

Due Date for Private Establishments

The private establishments are required to file every month with the due date by the 15th of the subsequent month. For example- If the return period is of January then the PF return due date deadline would be 15th February.

Due Date for Government Establishment

Government establishments are required to do EPF return filing every quarter. They must file their PF returns by the end of the month which follows the conclusion of each quarter. For example- If the quarter ends on 31st March, then the PF return due date for PF return filing would be by the end of April.

Required Forms for PF Return Filing

The different forms that are required for PF return filing are:

Required Form Details
Form 5 It is used for registering the general details of the new employees like name, address and date of birth and updating them whenever required.
Form 10 The purpose of this form is to declare and nominate beneficiaries by the employees.
Form 12A It is used to register establishments that come under the EPF scheme
Form 3A For maintaining the monthly contribution detail of the employees, this form is used.
Form 6A It is used for keeping records of the PF annual return contribution details of the employees

Time Taken for PF Return Filing

Filing a Provident Fund (PF) return typically takes a few hours for the actual submission process. However, considering document preparation and possible follow-ups, the entire process can take 3-5 days.

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Conclusion

Establishments with PF (Provident Fund) registrations are responsible for filing PF returns. Timely and regular filing of these returns ensures compliance with monthly requirements and other legal obligations, helping to avoid penalties and maintain statutory adherence. PF registration and filing offer advantages for both employers and employees. For employers, it provides a way to keep accurate records of employees, while employees benefit from tax advantages. The due date for filing returns can vary depending on the type of establishment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

To file a PF return, log in to the EPFO portal, navigate to the 'Return' section, and follow all the prescribed instructions in order to submit your details.

Yes, it is compulsory for those organizations having 20 or more employees and voluntary for those with less than 20 employees.

To terminate PF registration, send a written request to the EPF office, containing your PF registration information and the reason for cancellation.

The due date for the filing of the provident fund is the 15th of the subsequent month.

Organizations or establishments with 20 or more employees and less than 20 employees have to file PF returns.

The benefits of regular filing of PF are- tax benefits, organized record keeping of the employees, security of employees and ensuring compliance with the legal requirements.

The forms that are required for PF filing are- Form 5, Form 10, Form 12A, Form 3A and Form 6A.

A fine of 10% per annum and accrued interest is charged to the establishment in case of delay in return filing.

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