Prepared By
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Manu Melwin JoyAssistant Professor
Ilahia School of Management Studies
Kerala, India.Phone – 9744551114
Mail – [email protected]
Provident Fund
• The Employee Provident
Fund (EPF) or simply
Provident Fund (PF) is a
long-term savings and
pension instrument for all
salaried persons in India.
Provident Fund• For all employees in such
an organisation who draw a
basic monthly salary
of Rs 6,500 or less, the PF is
mandatory. For all others, the
PF is optional -- such
employees can opt out of the
PF at his discretion.
Provident Fund• The statutory requirement
– The EPF is maintained solely by
the Employees' Provident Fund
Organisation of India. As a
statutory rule, any company
having more than 20
employees, have to register
with the EPFO.
Provident Fund• Contribution to EPF
– Employees' contribution to the
EPF comprises of 12 per cent of
the Basic + DA + the cash value
of food allowances. An equal
amount of 12 per cent is
contributed by the employer
too, to the fund.
Why should you contribute to the EPF?
• Safety of returns– The EPF is the safest debt
instrument to invest in. Backed by the government, it guarantees safety of principal as well as the interest earned, making it suitable for long term financial goals. It also brings about an automatic discipline in investing.
Why should you contribute to the EPF?
• Loan options on EPF– Most companies offer you
a loan against EPF as a security at reasonable rates of interest. So the higher your PF balance, the more is your eligibility for such loans. In times of a crisis, if you so require some money, your EPF could come to your rescue.
Why should you contribute to the EPF?
• Tax treatment on EPF– The contributions you make
towards your provident fund gets you a tax benefit under section 80C, up to a maximum limit of Rs 1,00,000. Also, the maturity proceeds are tax free, if contributions to the fund have been for more than five years.
Why should you contribute to the EPF?
• Interest earned on EPF– The rate of interest earned
on a PF account is fixed every year during the months of March or April by the Government. The EPF currently for the financial year 2010-2011 carries an interest rate of 9.5 per cent. This interest rate is guaranteed and risk-free.
Why should you contribute to the EPF?
• Withdrawal facility in EPF– The complete amount from
your PF could be withdrawn on Retirement at the age of 55 years or due to early retirement on account of some disability etc. Partial withdrawal of money from the fund is permitted occasionally to meet expenses of marriage, medical costs or for building or purchase of a home.
Why should you contribute to the EPF?
• Shifting of jobs
– At such times, the PF balance
could be transferred from one
employer to another. The
existing balance would
continue to stay. With fresh
contributions made by the new
employer.
Why should you contribute to the EPF?
• Quitting of job
– PF could be withdrawn, if
you quit your job and
provide a declaration that
you do not intend to work
for the next six month.