Provident Fund (PF) registration in India is governed by the Employees' Provident Fund and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952. This act mandates certain businesses to register with the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) and contribute towards the provident fund for employees. Below are the key requirements:

1. Applicability

PF registration is mandatory for:

• Establishments with 20 or more employees: Any business employing 20 or more people must register under EPFO.
• Voluntary registration: Establishments with fewer than 20 employees can voluntarily register after mutual consent between the employer and employees.
• Specific industries: Some industries, like factories, are mandatorily covered irrespective of the number of employees.

2. Eligibility of Employees

• Salary Threshold: Employees earning up to ₹15,000 per month (basic + dearness allowance) must be enrolled. Employees earning above ₹15,000 may enroll voluntarily.
• Exemptions: Apprentices under the Apprentices Act or other trainees are exempted.

3. Employer Requirements

Employers are required to:

• Register within one month from reaching the 20-employee threshold.
• Deduct the PF contributions from employees’ salaries and make matching contributions.

4. Contributions

• Employee Contribution: 12% of the basic salary.
• Employer Contribution: 12% of the basic salary, divided as follows:
  • 8.33% towards Employee Pension Scheme (EPS).
  • 3.67% towards Employee Provident Fund (EPF).

5. Documents Required for Registration

1. Employer Details:

   • PAN card of the business.
   • Certificate of incorporation or partnership deed.
   • GST registration certificate.
   • Address proof of the business (rent agreement, electricity bill, etc.).

2. Employee Details:

   • Name, address, and contact information.
   • Date of joining.
   • Basic salary details.
   • Aadhaar and PAN cards.

3. Bank Details:

   • Bank account details of the employer.
   • Cancelled cheque.

6. Registration Process

1. Visit the Unified Shram Suvidha Portal (https://www.shramsuvidha.gov.in).
2. Register as an employer and obtain an Establishment ID.
3. Submit the required documents and details of employees.
4. Generate and link the Universal Account Number (UAN) for employees.

7. Compliance Requirements

• Monthly Filing: Employers must file EPF returns through the EPFO portal by the 15th of every month.
• Annual Returns: Employers must file an annual return detailing all PF contributions made during the financial year.

8. Penalties for Non-Compliance

Non-compliance with PF registration and contributions may lead to:

• Fines.
• Interest on late payments.
• Prosecution under the EPF Act.

Prepared by:

Naufal Nazar

Auditor & Secretarial

Picco Advisory