EPFO Extends Deadline for Employers in India to Upload Wage Details for Higher Pensions by May 31, 2024

January 5, 2024 Posted by India Briefing Written by Dezan Shira & Associates Reading Time: 3 minutes

The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) in India has granted a five-month extension to employers in the country for submitting wage details for members eligible for higher pension benefits. Employers now have until May 31, 2024 to upload wage details online.

Staying compliant is vital for businesses to maintain their financial and reputational standing. For assistance in navigating the HR and payroll landscape in India, contact our experts at india@dezshira.com.

Uploading wage details

In response to representations and to facilitate eligible pensioners/members, EPFO initially launched an online facility on February 26, 2023, for Applications for Validation of Option/Joint Options related to higher wages pensions. This was in compliance with a Supreme Court order dated October 2022.

Initially set to conclude on May 3, 2023, the timeline for the online facility was extended to June 26, 2023, and later to July 11, 2023, with a final opportunity provided for 15 days to address any challenges faced by applicants.

As of July 11, 2023, a total of 1.749 million applications had been received, with over 360,000 applications still pending with employers.

• Looking for an efficient and cost-effective solution for managing HR and payroll in Asia? Speak to our experts

Responding to requests from Employers and Employers’ Associations to extend the deadline for uploading wage details, the original submission deadline of September 30, 2023, was further extended to December 31, 2023.

In a recent development, considering the substantial number of pending applications, the Chairman, CBT EPF, has approved another extension. Employers now have until May 31, 2024, to upload wage details online, ensuring the processing of the remaining Applications for Validation of Option/Joint Options.

Familiarizing oneself with the fundamental rules, contributions, and benefits linked to the Employee Provident Fund (EPF) is crucial for meeting human resource administration and payroll compliance obligations and promoting the financial well-being of the workforce. Employers are encouraged to regularly monitor EPF regulations and make use of the EPFO’s online services to streamline compliance processes, thereby enhancing transparency in EPF management.

The EPFO has implemented a range of online services, encompassing features like online registration, e-passbook, activation of UAN (Universal Account Number), and electronic transfer of EPF claims. These initiatives aim to enhance compliance and simplify administrative procedures.

The EPFO’s unified portal offers a consolidated platform for employers and employees to access various EPF services. This includes activities such as filing returns, overseeing member accounts, and monitoring EPF transfers, all seamlessly integrated into a single interface.

READ: A Guide to Popular Income Tax-Saving Investment Options in India

Understanding the role of the EPFO: India’s retirement fund manager

The EPF scheme, administered by the EPFO, is the flagship retirement benefits program in India. Mandatory for organizations in India with a minimum of 20 employees, registration must be completed within a month of reaching this threshold. Businesses with fewer than 20 employees can voluntarily register, extending EPF benefits to all employees from the start of their employment.

Manage Company Tax and Payroll Compliance across Multiple Jurisdictions

Both employers and employees contribute 12 percent of the basic salary and dearness allowance (DA) monthly, based on a maximum wage ceiling of INR 15,000. Employees can opt for a higher contribution rate, although employers aren’t obligated to match it. A joint request is required, and administrative charges on the excess wages must be covered by the employer.

As of March 2023, the EPF interest rate is 8.15 percent per annum. Notably, 8.33 percent of the employer’s contribution is allocated to the Employee Pension Scheme (EPS), enhancing retirement benefits.

EPF offers fixed interest, serving as an emergency fund with specific premature withdrawal rules. It acts as a retirement benefit, ensuring financial security in old age. EPF contributions qualify for tax deductions under Section 80C, with tax-exempt earnings providing additional financial advantages to members.

About Us

India Briefing is produced by Dezan Shira & Associates. The firm assists foreign investors throughout Asia from offices across the world, including in Delhi and Mumbai. Readers may write to india@dezshira.com for more support on doing business in India.

We also maintain offices or have alliance partners assisting foreign investors in Indonesia, Singapore, Vietnam, Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, Italy, Germany, and the United States, in addition to practices in Bangladesh and Russia.