Need expert opinion

I live in Bangalore,I do freelance work now and hence i have no active epf account. How ever I have previous epf money lying in 4 different epf accounts (2 in RPFOs + 2 in private held trust) none of these accounts have more than 5 years of contribution from my side.. Now if i withdraw it, I think a TDS of 30% will be done the amount.
What is the best way forward for me? Since I am doing freelance work now, chances of having a pf account are really bleak...

Any help in this regard would be a great help.. more

Helpful myEPF Feb 20

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Vishwanath Pattanshetti (Software programmer, startups)

Dear all, Is it true that if I apply for withdrawal after 30th april, I will be able to withdraw only my own contribution to pf - even when it is a dormant account?? more

Apr 15

Yakhob Dwaramakki

As Sreenivasa suggested, you need to consolidate all to the last account number - with the help of the last employer. There can be issues on this as the last employer may say that you no longer are in their employment. If you are stuck here, you need to meet the PF Commissioner and present the case. He / she will provide a solution. more

Feb 22

Vishwanath Pattanshetti (Software programmer, startups)

Thank you all.. Yes, my problem is PF in all accounts put together is beyond 5 years.. but at individual account level it is less than 5 years.. I will approach my last employer and check out if i can transfer pf at one place... Otherwise, as Raghonadh ji mentioned I will withdraw from all places and then claim for tax benefit.. Thanks a lot.. more

Feb 20

Srinivasa Rao Peri

First try to consolidate all accounts at one place. For this purpose, you approach the employer with whom you worked last and apply for transfer of all contributions of previous employers. Once contributions are transferred to one place. Then apply for transfer. As regards the EPF contributions are held by trust, you may apply for withdrawal in prescribed forms directly with the trust and it is not difficult for them to settle your account. In brief, where the accounts are held by EPFO, consolidate them and where EPF is with trusts apply for withdrawal directly. Hope it is very clear to you. more

Feb 20

Piyush Kulshreshtha

Ideally a consolidated account with 5 years of services or more would have worked for you but in the absence of that you either need to opt for 10% TDS with PAN or 30% TDS without PAN. A 15G form may be used for claiming tax exemption if your income is below taxable limits. more

Feb 20

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