The (EPF) Employees' Provident Fund is one of India's most dependable retirement savings schemes for salaried employees. It allows people to accumulate financial savings over the duration of their employment, guaranteeing retirement security, and is controlled by way of the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO). You need to display the stability of your EPF in order to manage your funds, verify business enterprise bills, and monitor interest generated. The definition of EPF balance, numerous methods for verifying it, the tax ramifications, and the deduction shape will all be covered in this guide.

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What is EPF Balance?

The entire quantity that has accrued to your Provident Fund account over time is your EPF balance. It contains the hobby generated from both your enterprise's matching contribution and your monthly contribution as an employee. Those payments are made every month and keep increasing until you retire or take the cash out. Your savings progress is reflected in the balance, which also contributes to future economic security. Your corpus will increase regularly since the interest is compounded each year. For salaried people, the EPF stability serves as a dependable long-term savings vehicle.

Breakdown of EPF Contributions

Particulars

Employee Contribution

Employer Contribution

Total Monthly Contribution

Percentage of Basic Salary + DA

12%

12% (8.33% to EPS + 3.67% to EPF)

24%

Example (Basic Salary ₹30,000)

₹3,600

₹7,200

Note: Out of the employer’s 12%, 8.33% goes to the Employee Pension Scheme (EPS), and 3.67% remains in EPF.

How to Check EPF Balance?

1. Check EPF Balance via EPFO Portal

You can view your balance online by visiting the official EPFO Member e-Sewa portal.

Steps:

Visit https://www.epfindia.gov.in.
Click on “For Employees” → “Member Passbook.”
Log in using your UAN (Universal Account Number) and password.
Select your Member ID to view your balance and transaction details.

2. Check EPF Balance via UMANG App

The UMANG (Unified Mobile Application for New-Age Governance) app is a government platform offering access to multiple services, including EPF.

Steps:

Download the UMANG App (available on Android/iOS).
Register using your mobile number linked with Aadhaar.
Select EPFO → Employee Centric Services → View Passbook.
Log in using your UAN and OTP.
View your latest EPF balance and contribution history.

3. Check EPF Balance via Missed Call

If your UAN is linked with your Aadhaar, PAN, and bank account, you can check your balance by simply giving a missed call.

Steps:

Give a missed call to 9966044425 from your registered mobile number.
You’ll receive an SMS with your EPF balance details.

Conditions:

Your UAN must be activated.
The mobile number must be registered with your EPF account.

4. Check EPF Balance via SMS

EPFO also provides an SMS facility to check your balance instantly.

Steps:

Send an SMS in this format:EPFOHO UAN ENG
to 7738299899.
You’ll receive your EPF balance and last contribution details via SMS.

Note: Replace ENG with the language code of your choice (HIN for Hindi, MAR for Marathi, etc.)

EPF Deductions

Your employer matches the monthly EPF deductions made from your pay. In addition to helping you save for the future, these deductions qualify you for tax advantages under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act.

Component

Employee’s Share

Employer’s Share

Total (Monthly)

EPF Contribution

12% of Basic + DA

3.67% of Basic + DA

16%

EPS (Pension)

—

8.33%

Total Deduction

₹3,600 (for ₹30,000 salary)

₹3,600

₹7,200

The interest rate on EPF is declared annually by the government (for FY 2024–25, it is around 8.25%).

What is the Tax Structure on EPF Balance?

Scenario

Tax Treatment

Employee contribution

Eligible for deduction under Section 80C (up to ₹1.5 lakh)

Employer contribution

Tax-free up to 12% of salary; excess taxable as per the income tax slab

Interest on EPF

Tax-free up to ₹2.5 lakh annual contribution; excess interest taxable

Withdrawal before 5 years

Taxable as per the income slab

Withdrawal after 5 years

Fully tax-exempt

This makes EPF one of the safest and most tax-efficient long-term savings options for salaried employees.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How often does the EPF receive interest credits?

Interest is credited and compounded annually, usually after the fiscal year ends.

Can I check my EPF balance without a UAN?

No. Your cell phone has to be linked to an active UAN in order to view your EPF information.

How do I activate my UAN?

Navigate to the EPFO portal, choose "Activate UAN," input your details, and then create an OTP. Choose a password.

Does the EPF balance get updated instantly?

No. Periodic changes are shown in the balance, often following the employer's monthly return filing.

Can I verify my former employer's EPF balance?

Indeed. If the UAN is the same, all connected Member IDs' balances are displayed in your EPF passbook.

What happens if my cellphone number isn't connected to EPF?

You must update it via the EPFO site under UAN services or through your employer.

Is connecting Aadhaar to EPF required?

Indeed, an Aadhaar connection is required for online services like balance checks and withdrawals as well as authentication.

Can I take money out of my EPF while I'm moving jobs?

No, you should use the EPFO site to move your money to your new employer's PF account.

For tax-free EPF withdrawals, what is the minimum tenure?

A minimum of five years of continuous employment, including job moves.

How can I fix mistakes in my EPF passbook?

You can file a grievance using the EPFiGMS site or ask your employer for adjustments (name, date of birth, etc.).

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