PF Return Filing

PF return filing refers to the process of submitting the necessary documents and details related to Provident Fund (PF) contributions and withdrawals to the appropriate authorities. PF is a social security program in India that requires both employers and employees to contribute a percentage of the employee's salary towards a retirement fund. The PF return filing ensures compliance with the regulations and facilitates the smooth functioning of the PF system. It is necessary to accurately file PF returns to maintain transparent records, calculate and deposit the correct amount of contributions, and provide employees with their entitlements when they retire or leave the organization. Proper PF return filing helps businesses adhere to legal requirements and ensures the financial security of employees.

Employers with PF registration must file monthly PF returns, which are due by the 25th of each month. In this regard, various forms are used for PF return filing, and the process can be easily completed through the Unified portal.

1. Login to EPFO Portal: Use the login credentials sent to your email upon successful registration with Unified Shram Suvidha Portal.
2. Download the ECR File: Navigate to Payment and click on ‘ECR/Return Filing’. Next, click on ‘ECR Upload’, go to ‘Download ECR File’, select the wage month for which you want to file PF return, select the file type as ‘ECR’ and click on ‘ECR File Download’. An ECR file containing the list of employees against their UAN will be downloaded.
3. Enter wage details: Fill in details regarding gross wages, EPF wages, EPS wages, EDLI wages, EPF contribution remitted, EPS contribution remitted, EPF-EPS difference remitted, NCP days, and Refund of Advances.
4. Save as Text Document: Save the Excel file as a CSV file, delete the first column with particulars, remove extra commas, and replace commas between two fields with #~#. Finally, save the file as a text document.
5. Upload the ECR file: Login to the EPFO Portal, go to Payments > ECR Filing > ECR Upload, select the wage month, and other required details, and upload the Text file.
6. Generate TRRN and make payment: Verify the ECR uploaded and a Temporary Return Reference Number (TRRN) will be generated. Click on “Prepare Challan” and fill in the EPF and EDLI charges as applicable. Enter the number of employees, excluded number of employees, and their salary. Now, click on “Generate Challan”> “Finalize” and make the payment by clicking on “Pay”.

The employer is also responsible for filing PF returns on the EPFO portal. The deadline for filing the PF return is on or before the 15th of each month. This return must include details of PF contributions made by both the employer and the employee. It is important to file PF returns on time to avoid any penalties or legal actions.

1. If there is a delay in filing a PF return, an interest of 12% per annum is charged on the employer for every single day.
2. Penalties are levied under Section 14B in case of delayed challan payment.

• *If there is a delay of up to 2 months, a 5% interest per annum is charged.
• *If there is a delay of 2-4 months, a 10% interest per annum is charged.
• *If there is a delay of 4-6 months, a 15% interest per annum is charged.
• *If there is a delay of more than 6 months, a 25% interest per annum is charged.

1. Bank Statement: Latest bank account statement or a canceled check from the bank account
2. Payment Challan: Copy of Provident Fund Payment Challan
3. PF Contribution: List of PF Contributions
4. PAN Card: ID and address proof PAN of the employee and employer
5. Aadhar Card: ID and address proof of Aadhaar of the employee and employer
6. Balance Sheet: Balance sheet details of companies
7. Monthly Pay Sheet: Monthly pay sheet of the employees
8. Incorporation Certificate: Certificate of Company Registration in case of a company