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An employee provident fund number (EPF) Is a unique identification number allocated to all salaried individuals for accessing PF account transactions. This is an equal contribution made by both the employer and the employee.
Are you based in India and a salaried person? If so, then you might be aware of the significance of the Employee Provident Fund (EPF). The EPF is a retirement funds scheme. It ensures that a certain percentage of an individual’s salary is saved for their retirement. To check your EPF contributions, you are provided with a distinct identification number called the employee PF number. This article is about employees’ PF numbers, their importance, and how to identify them. Let’s dive in!
What is the PF Number?
The PF Number, also known as the EPF account number, is a unique identification number. The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) allots it to each EPF account holder. You can use it to check your PF account balance and make withdrawals.
Importance of the Employee PF Number
The EPF number serves as your unique identifier. It allows easy tracking of your retirement savings over time. Employers use this number to deposit your monthly contributions into your PF account. Knowing this number is crucial to online checking your account balance and contribution details. This ensures your money is invested as per the government’s regulations.
The employee PF number stays the same even if you change jobs. It helps transfer your accumulated corpus when switching employers. A Universal Account Number (UAN) is created by linking your EPF number. The UAN offers a consolidated view of savings even with many jobs.
You need the employee PF number at withdrawal to receive your retirement funds. It enables you to claim a pension or provident fund when you retire. In case of disputes, the EPF office uses this number to verify deposits and resolve issues. Keeping it safe is as important for retirement plans.
Format of the EPF Number
An employee PF number contains both digits and alphabets. Below is an example of what a PF account number looks like and the type of information housed within the number.
A PF number might look like this:
“MAMUM00641480000001258”
- The first two letters indicate the state. For example, it could be AP for Andhra Pradesh, MA for Maharastra, and vice versa.
- The following three characters specify the Regional Office.
- The first seven characters serve as the identifier of an organisation.
- The next three digits correspond to an establishment’s extension ID code.
- The last seven numbers are the official PF account numbers — individual to employee.
How To Find the Employee PF Number
You won’t need to type “how to know the EPF number” on Google. Typically, the employer handles PF registration, issues a PF number, and assigns it to the employee. If they don’t provide it during onboarding, it is your job to ask them. Additionally, if you are transitioning jobs, make sure to have your PF account number with you.
1. Check your salary slip
Learning your EPF number is as simple as looking at your pay slip. The salary slip usually carries an employer-allocated EPF number in most organisations. The details of the amount deposited are also mentioned there.
2. Consult the HR department
Every corporation has a human resources (HR) department. They have to allot an EPF number to the company’s employees. You can reach out to your company’s HR department and ask them for guidance on how to know the EPF number.
3. Get your PF number using your UAN number
The EPFO is the most credible source for obtaining your EPF number. You must verify your personal documents. Using the UAN number to obtain your EPF number is often the last viable option because much simpler methods exist.
4. Call or visit your nearest PF office
If none of the above methods work for you, consider visiting your nearest PF office. Present the officials with all your identification papers, including your proof of identity.
Other Ways to View Employee PF Number
There are other ways to find your EPF number, including:
- By phone number: If your phone number is registered with the EPFO, you will receive updates on your contributions via SMS. This will contain your EPF details.
- Through the UMANG app: Log in using your UAN credentials. Select EPF services and click "Employee Centric Services." Then, tap on "View Passbook" to see your number.
- Through PAN number: Login to the EPF website, enter your PAN number, name, DOB, mobile, and captcha. Click 'Get Authorization PIN' and 'I Agree' and enter the OTP received. This entails the use of your UAN number to access the employee PF number.
Conclusion
Having an employee PF Number is important for employees and employers in India. It helps plan for retirement efficiently. The PF number helps track contributions made by both parties and the accrued amount. Use your passbooks to verify correct deductions and contributions. Alternatively, you can use the UAN portal to view your PF details anytime.
Knowing the process of obtaining a PF number helps employers and employees fulfil their statutory obligations.
