How to Withdraw Your PF Online: Complete Process & Taxability

The Employees' Provident Fund (EPF) is a mandatory retirement savings scheme for salaried employees in India, managed by the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO). This fund ensures financial security post-retirement and provides partial withdrawal options for specific needs.

With technological advancements, employees can now claim PF online through the EPFO portal, making the process quicker and paperless. In 2025, EPFO is expected to introduce EPFO 3.0, allowing direct PF withdrawals from ATMs, further enhancing convenience.

This guide explains how to withdraw PF online, the eligibility criteria, the required documents, and the expected new withdrawal process via ATMs.

What Is the Employees' Provident Fund (EPF)?

The EPF helps salaried employees build a retirement corpus. Both employees and employers contribute towards it monthly. Employee contributions qualify for tax deductions under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act, 1961.

When Can You Withdraw EPF?

EPF withdrawal is subject to specific conditions, either fully upon retirement or partially for specific financial needs.

1. Complete Withdrawal

Employees can withdraw their entire PF balance under the following circumstances:

• Upon Retirement - Withdrawal is allowed after reaching 58 years of age. However, they can also claim 90% of the balance at 57 years as per EPFO rules.
• Unemployment - Employees can withdraw 75% of the balance after one month of unemployment and the remaining 25% after two months.

2. Partial Withdrawal (Under Specific Conditions)

Partial withdrawals are permitted for specific needs (subject to certain conditions), such as:

• Medical treatment
• Marriage or education
• Home loan repayment
• Home renovation

How to Withdraw PF Amount?

Employees can withdraw their PF amount through two methods:

• Online PF Withdrawal - Employees can submit their withdrawal request through the EPFO portal. They need to log in with their UAN and password, verify their bank details, select the withdrawal reason, and authenticate using Aadhaar OTP before submitting the claim.
• Physical Application - Employees who cannot apply online can submit a physical form at their regional EPFO office. If Aadhaar is linked to UAN, employer attestation is not required; otherwise, the employer must sign the form before submission.

EPFO 3.0 - ATM-Based PF Withdrawal (Expected in 2025)

The EPFO 3.0 initiative, expected to launch in 2025, will introduce a direct ATM withdrawal feature for Provident Fund (PF) subscribers, making fund access faster and more convenient.

• Instant Access - Employees can withdraw their PF balance directly from ATMs, eliminating the need for manual paperwork or online applications.
• No Employer Dependency - This feature removes the employer’s approval process, reducing delays and ensuring quicker withdrawals.
• Convenient Withdrawals - Similar to a debit card transaction, employees can access their PF savings anytime, improving financial flexibility during emergencies.

This upgrade simplifies PF withdrawal, offering ease and accessibility to account holders.

Steps to Apply for EPF Withdrawal Online on the UAN Portal

To apply for PF withdrawal online, follow these steps:

1. Log in to EPFO Unified Portal - Enter UAN, password, and captcha.
2. Go to 'Online Services' - Select ‘Claim (Form - 31, 19, 10C & 10D)’.
3. Verify Bank Details - Enter your UAN-linked bank account number for authentication.
4. Confirm Terms & Conditions - Accept EPFO’s terms and proceed.
5. Select Withdrawal Reason - Choose from eligible withdrawal options.
6. Enter Required Details - Provide your address and upload the necessary documents.
7. Authenticate via Aadhaar OTP - Submit the claim using OTP verification.

Always check the official EPFO website for the latest updates on the claim process, as policies may change over time.

EPF Withdrawal Taxability

EPF withdrawals are tax-free if made after five years of continuous service. If withdrawn earlier, the amount is taxable, and TDS at 10% is deducted if the withdrawal exceeds INR 50,000 (provided PAN is submitted).

If PAN is not provided, a higher TDS rate applies. The withdrawn amount must be reported in income tax returns to ensure compliance.

However, submitting Form 15G/15H (for those meeting the eligibility criteria) can help avoid a TDS deduction. Employees should carefully plan withdrawals to minimise tax liability.

Documents Required for EPF Withdrawal

When applying for PF withdrawal, employees typically need to submit the following documents:

• Composite Claim Form.
• Two revenue stamps for authentication.
• Bank account statement (must be in the PF holder’s name).
• Identity proof (Aadhaar, PAN, passport, or voter ID).
• Address proof (utility bill, passport, or Aadhaar).
• Cancelled cheque with a clearly visible IFSC code (optional).
• Personal details (father’s name, date of birth) must match identity proof.
• ITR Forms 2 and 3 if withdrawing before 5 years of continuous service.

How to Check PF Withdrawal Status?

To track your PF withdrawal status, follow these steps:

1. Log in to UAN Portal - Enter your credentials.
2. Go to 'Online Services' - Click ‘Track Claim Status’.
3. Enter Reference Number - Use the claim reference number provided.
4. Check Status - The portal will display real-time updates.

PF Customer Care Numbers

Employees can contact EPFO's toll-free customer care number at 14470 for assistance with PF-related queries.

Which Are the Forms Used for EPF Withdrawal?

Employees need to use different EPF forms based on the withdrawal type. These include:

• Composite Claim Form
• Form 10C
• Form 10D
• Form 31
• Form 19

How to Withdraw Your EPF Without UAN?

Employees who do not have or cannot access their UAN can use the offline process and get the employer’s attestation on the form if Aadhaar is not linked.

Conclusion

With digital advancements, PF withdrawal online has become easier and more efficient. Employees can now withdraw their PF amount via the UAN portal, and soon, EPFO 3.0 may allow direct ATM withdrawals.

However, PF withdrawal is not always the best option for working professionals, as it may impact long-term savings and retirement security. If immediate funds are required, a personal loan can provide quick financial support without affecting future savings.

To help manage urgent financial needs, SMFG India Credit offers personal loans of up to INR 30 lakhs* at attractive interest rates. Apply online or contact us for more information.