Switching jobs and acquiring new opportunities is a common occurrence for working professionals. However, this transition often leads to creating a new Employee Provident Fund (EPF) account, separate from the old one. Many individuals wonder how to merge their PF accounts, and in this article, we will provide you with a detailed guide on how to do it seamlessly.
Requisites for Merging PF Accounts
Before delving into the process of merging PF accounts, there are certain prerequisites you need to consider:
- Complete KYC Procedure: Ensure you have completed the Know Your Customer (KYC) procedure, which involves verifying your bank account, PAN, and other related information.
- Linked UAN: You should have a Universal Account Number (UAN) linked to your existing EPF account.
- UAN Activation: Wait 3 days after obtaining your UAN to activate it. This is crucial for the merging process.
It’s important to note that merging is not mandatory, and you can choose to do it at your convenience.
The process to Merge PF Accounts in India
Merging PF accounts in India is a straightforward process that involves providing the necessary information and filling out an account merge form. Here are the steps:
Through EPFO Portal
- Visit the official EPFO website [https://www.epfindia.gov.in/site_en/], sign in, and select “Online Services.”
- Choose the “One Member – One EPF Account” link to direct you to another window.
- Fill in the required information, including your phone and UAN numbers, and click ‘Generate OTP.’
- Enter the OTP received on your registered mobile number for verification.
- A new window will open where you should input details about the earlier EPF accounts you want to merge.
- Before clicking ‘Submit,’ make sure to mark the declaration box.
Through Email
If you have two UANs, you can request EPFO to deactivate the previous UAN. Send an email to uanepf@epfindia.gov.in, mentioning your current and previous UAN. After verification, the previous UAN will be blocked, while the current one will remain active. You can then submit a claim to transfer funds to the active UAN.
Benefits of Merging EPFO Accounts in India
Merging multiple EPF accounts offers several advantages:
- Financial Efficiency: Consolidating your pension and salary payments into a single account can help you save money in the long run.
- Simplified Tracking: Tracking your expenses and income tax returns becomes easier when all your EPF data is in one place.
- Enhanced Transparency: Consolidating your accounts improves financial transparency, especially when managing your finances or investments.
- Reduced Hassle: Managing multiple EPF accounts with different account numbers and login information can be cumbersome, and merging simplifies this process.
Things to do after Merging your PF Accounts
After successfully merging your PF or EPFO accounts in India, there are important post-merger tasks to consider:
- Verify Your Accounts: Ensure that all your information is accurate and there are no errors. Be prepared to provide additional documents if requested by EPFO.
- Update Information: Online, update relevant details such as your bank account number, name, and Aadhaar number if there have been changes.
- Choose Pension Payment: Depending on your current pensionable status (part-time employee, full-time employee, casual worker, etc.), decide whether you want a full or partial pension payment. The deadline for this choice is typically 6 months after the consolidation date.
Conclusion
In conclusion, switching jobs is a common occurrence for employees. To avoid complications with your provident fund amount, you must merge all your EPF accounts from your previous employers into your current one. Your UAN number serves as an umbrella for consolidating all your EPF accounts in a single place, streamlining your financial management and ensuring a secure retirement fund.
