EPF Passbook: How to Obtain, Use, and Understand

The EPF Passbook is an essential tool for employees in India. It comprehensively records all Employee Provident Fund (EPF) contributions, interest earned, withdrawals, and transfers. This passbook lets individuals easily track their retirement savings,  helping employees stay informed about their financial growth, confidently plan their future, ensure compliance with EPFO guidelines and track updates accurately.. This blog will provide a step-by-step guide on accessing, understanding, and managing your EPF passbook effectively.

What is an EPF Passbook?

An EPF passbook is a digital document issued by India’s Employee Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) that records your provident fund contributions. This passbook includes vital information on monthly contributions you and your employer made, accrued interest, and any transactions such as withdrawals or transfers.

Key Points to Remember

• EPF Passbook is available online through the EPFO member portal or UMANG app.
• It contains details of PF account number, contributions, interest earned, withdrawals, and transfers.
• Accessible to active EPF members with a UAN (Universal Account Number).

How to Obtain an EPF Passbook

To maintain compliance and have full access to your retirement records, you can obtain your EPF passbook through various methods:

Online Application

You can access your EPF passbook online through the EPFO member portal by following these steps:

1. Visit the EPFO Member Portal: EPFO Member e-Sewa.
2. Login with UAN and Password: Register your UAN to access the passbook.
3. Navigate to ‘Download Passbook’: You can download the passbook in PDF format under the services section.

Using the UMANG App

1. Download UMANG App: Available on both iOS and Android.
2. Login or Register with UAN: Authenticate with your UAN and registered mobile number.
3. Access Passbook: Navigate to the EPFO services and download your passbook.

Visiting the EPFO Office

For those preferring a physical copy, visit the nearest EPFO office with your UAN and identification documents. Although less common today, this option is available if online access is not possible.

Understanding Your EPF Passbook

Your EPF passbook contains crucial details that ensure compliance with EPF policies and offer insights into your financial growth:

Components	Description
PF Account Number	The PF account number is crucial for all EPF-related transactions. This unique number identifies your EPF account and is needed to access and manage your passbook.
Employee and Employer Contributions	The passbook records contributions by both the employee and employer. Typically, employees contribute 12% of their basic salary, matched by the employer.
Interest Earned	The EPFO credits interest annually on EPF contributions. For 2024 the interest rate was set at 8.25% (source).
Withdrawals and Transfers	This section logs any withdrawals from your EPF account or transfers to new accounts when changing jobs, providing a clear record for easy tracking.

Services Available on the EPFO Passbook Portal

The EPFO Passbook Portal offers various online services to help employees easily monitor and manage their provident fund accounts. Here’s a look at the key services available:

• EPF Balance Check: Members can view their current EPF balance, including monthly contributions by both employee and employer and accrued interest. This helps members stay updated on their retirement savings in real-time.
• Download EPF Statement: Users can download their EPF passbook in PDF format, providing a detailed record of all transactions, contributions, and interest. This statement is useful for financial planning, tax filing, and maintaining personal records.
• Claim Status Tracking: The portal allows members to track the status of any EPF claims, such as withdrawals, advances, or transfers. This feature offers transparency and ensures members are informed throughout the claim process.
• Historical Transaction View: Members can review past transactions, including contributions, interest updates, and any withdrawals or transfers. This comprehensive view enables members to understand their account history in detail.
• Contribution Details: The portal breaks down the contributions by both the employee and employer each month, ensuring clarity about how much is added to the EPF account regularly.
• EPS, EDLI, and EPF Calculator: The portal includes dedicated calculators for Employee Pension Scheme (EPS), Employees’ Deposit Linked Insurance (EDLI), and EPF. These tools help members estimate their pension benefits, life insurance coverage, and accumulated EPF balance based on their current contributions and salary.

How to Download EPF Passbook Online

Method 1: EPFO Member Portal

1. Visit the EPFO Member e-Sewa Portal: Go to https://www.epfindia.gov.in.
2. Log in with UAN and Password: Enter your Universal Account Number (UAN) and password. If you haven’t registered, you must activate your UAN first.
3. Go to ‘Download Passbook’: Under the “Services” section, click on ‘Member Passbook’.
4. View and Download Passbook: Once you select your PF account, you can view and download the passbook in PDF format for easy reference.

Method 2: UMANG App

1. Download the UMANG App: Install the UMANG (Unified Mobile Application for New-age Governance) app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
2. Register or Log in with UAN: Enter your UAN and registered mobile number to log in.
3. Navigate to EPFO Services: Select ‘EPFO’ from the available services once logged in.
4. Download EPF Passbook: You can download the passbook as a PDF file.

Checking Your EPF Passbook Balance Online

You can easily check your EPF passbook balance through either the EPFO Member Portal or the UMANG app:

How to Check Your EPF Passbook Balance Using the EPFO Portal

1. Visit the EPFO Member e-Sewa Portal: Go to gov.in.
2. Log in with UAN and Password: Use your Universal Account Number (UAN) to log in.
3. Access ‘Member Passbook’: Click on ‘Member Passbook’ under “Services” to view your balance, contributions, and interest.

How to Check Your EPF Passbook Balance via the UMANG App

1. Download the UMANG App: Available on Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
2. Log in with UAN: Use your UAN and registered mobile number.
3. Go to EPFO Services: Select ‘EPFO’ and choose ‘View Passbook’ to check your balance and account details.

Checking EPF Passbook Balance Without UAN

If you do not have your UAN, you can check your EPF passbook balance through SMS or missed call services:

Via SMS

Send “EPFOHO UAN ENG” to 7738299899. You’ll receive an SMS with your latest balance information.

Via Missed Call

To receive an SMS with your balance, make a missed call to 011-22901406 from your registered mobile number.

Benefits of Checking Your Balance Regularly

Regularly reviewing your EPF balance supports financial planning, accuracy in account management, and compliance with EPFO regulations. Key benefits include:

• Financial Planning: Regularly checking your balance helps you plan for future goals.
• Ensuring Accuracy: Verify contributions and interest to ensure your records are up to date.
• Track Withdrawals and Transfers: Keeps a check on any unauthorized transactions.
• Track Withdrawals and Transfers: Your passbook documents withdrawals or transfers, providing a transparent record of transactions.
• Identify Errors Early: Detect and promptly correct any discrepancies or errors in contributions to avoid issues later on.
• Claim Eligibility Awareness: Regular monitoring informs you of your current balance, helping you make informed decisions regarding withdrawals, loans, or advances if needed.

How to Check Payable Tax on EPF Balance via EPF Passbook

For EPF contributors whose total annual contributions exceed₹2.5 lakh, interest earned on the excess amount is taxable as per recent amendments. To check your potential monthly tax liability on your EPF balance, you can use the EPF member portal to access your EPF passbook and view your taxable data:

1. Log in to the EPFO portal using your UAN and password
2. Select the Passbook tab
3. Choose the member ID of the EPF account for tax details
4. Click the View Taxable Data button

How to Check EPF Claim Status via EPF Passbook Portal

To track a claim’s status:

1. Visit the EPFO portal.
2. Log in and navigate to Track Claim Status to stay updated on your application’s progress.

What to Do if You Lose Your EPF Passbook

If you lose access to your EPF passbook, follow these steps:

Steps to Recover or Obtain a New Copy

1. Access the Digital Passbook: Most EPF passbooks are accessible online through the EPFO Member Portal or the UMANG app. Log in using your UAN (Universal Account Number) and password to download a new copy. If you’ve forgotten your password, reset it using the ‘Forgot Password’ option.
2. Check for Saved Copies: If you’ve previously downloaded or printed your EPF passbook, check your email, digital storage, or any physical files for a copy.
3. Contact EPFO Support: If you can’t access the passbook online, contact EPFO customer support at 1800-118-005 or email helpdesk@epfindia.gov.in. Explain the situation; they can guide you through accessing or retrieving a duplicate.

Reporting the Loss to EPFO
If you suspect unauthorised access or need to officially report the loss:

1. Notify EPFO: Report the lost passbook to your nearest EPFO office by calling the helpline or visiting in person. You may need to provide identification and UAN details.
2. Request a Duplicate Passbook: If you require a physical copy, request a duplicate at the EPFO office. Submit a written application with your UAN and ID proof for verification. Digital versions are typically recommended as they are instantly accessible and secure.

Conclusion

• The EPF passbook is an important and indispensable document for tracking your retirement savings.
• Accessing and reviewing it regularly ensures that your contributions and interests are accurate and current.
• With easy access through the EPFO portal and UMANG app, managing your retirement funds has never been more convenient.

Frequently Asked Questions