EPFO Simplifies PF Transfer Process With Revamped Form 13 Functionality

The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has further streamlined the process for transferring provident fund (PF) accounts during job changes by introducing a revamped Form 13 software functionality. According to an official statement issued on Friday, this upgrade is designed to accelerate fund transfers and enhance the overall experience for members, aligning with the government’s vision of “Ease of Living.”

Previously, PF transfers required coordination between two EPFO offices, the source (transferor) and the destination (transferee), with approvals needed at both ends. Now, under the new system, once a transfer claim is approved by the source office, the funds will be automatically and instantly credited to the member’s account at the destination office. The requirement for approval at the destination office has been removed, significantly reducing processing time.

This initiative is expected to benefit over 1.25 crore members annually, enabling faster transfer of approximately Rs 90,000 crore in PF accumulations each year.

The upgraded Form 13 functionality also introduces a bifurcation of taxable and non-taxable PF components, allowing for more accurate TDS (Tax Deducted at Source) calculations on interest earned.

Employer Approval Removed

Earlier this year, EPFO had already simplified the transfer process by eliminating the need for employer approval in most job change scenarios.

In addition, to promote ease of doing business, EPFO has launched a facility for the bulk generation of Universal Account Numbers (UANs) by employers, even without Aadhaar seeding. This is particularly aimed at helping employers manage employee onboarding and facilitate seamless credit of PF contributions.

To resolve grievances around the proper accounting of past accumulations, especially in cases involving surrender of exemptions by Exempted PF Trusts or recovery proceedings, EPFO has relaxed the requirement of Aadhaar for generating UANs and crediting past contributions. A new software tool has been deployed in the FO Interface to support this functionality.

However, as a risk mitigation measure, UANs generated without Aadhaar will remain in a frozen state and will only be activated after Aadhaar seeding is completed.

These reforms are expected to significantly improve service delivery for EPFO members, reduce long-standing grievances, and support the auto-settlement of eligible claims through more streamlined validation processes.

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