PAN or Permanent Account Number is a unique identifier for taxation purposes that ensures transparency in financial transactions and also plays a key role in EPF transactions. Users can link their EPF accounts with their PAN to avail of various EPF-related services. Linking PAN with EPF accounts is extremely important and it serves you with various benefits like streamlining tax deduction processes and allowing seamless and simplified financial record keeping.
Why link a PAN Card with an EPF Account?
A PAN card is a vital financial document issued by the Income Tax Department of India. It is a ten-digit identification number assigned to Indian taxpayers that acts as the primary key for the storage of all tax-relation information. The Government of India has made it mandatory to link PAN with different financial instruments such as Aadhaar, EPF account, bank account, etc. Though the government has not yet made it mandatory to link a PAN with an EPF account but it will help in saving EPF withdrawal taxes. If employees do not link their PAN with EPF accounts, then a TDS of approximately 34.60% will be deducted during the final PF withdrawal and if it is linked then only 10% TDS will be deducted. Thus, linking will prove beneficial for employees during future claims. To process any online EPF claims, it is vital to link PAN with a bank account number, though it is not yet compulsory.
Steps to Link PAN Card to EPF Account Online
Employees’ Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) provides an easy-to-use online platform. Follow these steps to link your PAN card to your EPF account online:
- Visit the EPFO online portal and log in to your account.
- From the main menu, select the ‘Manage’ option.
- Click on the ‘KYC’ option.
- A new KYC page will appear. Under the ‘Document type’ section, you will see a list of documents that need updating.
- Click on the ‘PAN’ option.
- Enter your PAN card number.
- Enter your name and click the ‘Save’ button.
- If your name and PAN number are entered correctly, they will be automatically validated with the Income Tax Department. Upon successful validation, your PAN and EPF account will be linked.
Once your PAN is linked to your EPF account, you can view it on the EPFO portal’s homepage under the ‘Manage Profile’ section.
Steps to Link PAN with EPF Account Offline
Employees who find online methods confusing can visit their nearest EPF office to link their PAN card. Simply fill out the EPF-PAN linking form and provide a self-attested copy of your PAN card and UAN. Upon successful completion, you will be notified on your registered mobile number. Here are the steps to link your PAN with your EPF account offline:
- Go to your nearest EPFO branch and request the EPF-PAN linking form from the concerned official.
- Complete the form with the necessary details such as your PAN, Universal Account Number (UAN), name, and other required information.
- Attach self-attested copies of your PAN card and UAN to the form.
- Submit the completed form and attached documents to the concerned official.
- After your application is reviewed and approved, your PAN will be linked to your EPF account. You will receive a notification on your registered mobile number and email ID regarding the status of the linking process.
Linking your PAN with your EPF account is an essential step for effective financial management. By following the simple steps in this guide, you can comply with tax regulations and benefit from having your PAN and EPF account linked. This process is mandatory for all EPF account holders, offering an excellent opportunity to streamline your financial affairs and secure your future. The EPFO has made this task easy for its members. Simply log in to the portal, click on KYC, and enter your PAN card details. That’s it! You can then take full advantage of all the services offered by the EPFO.