EPF Transfer Process in 2025: A Step-by-Step Guide 

EPF transfer is an alternative to EPF account closure when you switch jobs. By transferring your PF balance, you continue earning interest and enjoy tax-free returns, provided you maintain the account for at least 5 years.Closing the account, on the other hand, results in the loss of these tax benefits. 

In fact, between April 2024 and January 2025, the EPFO received over 1.30 crore EPF transfer claims. This clearly shows a growing awareness of the benefits of transferring rather than closing.

Learn the eligibility and transfer process to enjoy a hassle-free journey when you switch jobs.

Key Highlights

• You can transfer your EPF account to avoid paying TDS on account closure.
• As an EPF account holder, you can check EPF transfer status online or on the unified portal.
• On transferring your EPF account, your UAN remains unchanged.

Steps to Transfer EPF in 2025

In an effort to simplify and streamline the online EPF transfer process, the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) introduced an updated version of Form 13 through a circular dated April 25, 2025. 

The updated form now clearly differentiates between taxable and non-taxable components of PF accumulations. This distinction helps in accurately calculating the Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) on taxable PF interest. 

Here is the online EPF transfer process:

Step 1: Log in to the Employees Provident Fund Organisation unified portal using your UAN and password.

Step 2: Navigate to the ‘Online Services’ option and select ‘One Member One EPF Account (Transfer Request).

Step 3: Ensure you check your eligibility to raise the transfer request online.

Step 4: Verify your existing personal details and provide PF account details where you want your funds transferred.

Step 5: Click on the 'Get Details' option, and choose the previous employer's member ID or UAN to receive the details.

Step 6: On successful verification, click on ‘Get OTP’. Fill in the OTP that you receive on your registered mobile number and click ‘Submit’.

Step 7: Fill in the online Form 13 providing details such as PF number from present and previous organisations.

Step 8: Note the tracking ID generated for future reference.

Step 9: Ensure to take a printout of the form and submit it within 10 days to your employer.

Step 10: Both previous and present employers need to verify the details for authenticity followed by the concerned employee’s signature to provide approval.

Step 11: On successful approval by both entities, the EPFO will disburse and credit the fund to the concerned applicant's bank account.

Steps to Check EPF Transfer Status Online

Here is the process to check the EPF transfer from the old account to a new account on the unified portal:

Step 1: Visit the official website of EPFO. 

Step 2: Navigate to the ‘Services’ option and click on ‘Know Your Claim Status’.

Step 3: Fill in the UAN and CAPTCHA.

Step 4: Click on ‘Log in’ and choose the ‘Member ID’ for your account.

Step 5: Click on ‘View Your Claim Status’ to check updates on the display.

Notably, you can check the transfer status using the member claim status link. Follow the same process mentioned above after clicking on the link to check the status.

Steps to Check Transfer Status on the Unified Portal

Follow the steps below to check the transfer status on the unified portal:

Step 1: Visit the EPFO unified portal and log in using your UAN and password.

Step 2: Navigate to the ‘Online Services’ tab and select ‘Track Claim Status’.

Step 3: Click on ‘Transfer Claim Status’ on the new tab to view the updated status.

New Updates Regarding EPF Transfer Process in 2025 

In a move to make the EPF transfer process smoother, the EPFO, through its circular dated January 15, 2025, has eliminated the need for employees to route their online transfer claims through either their previous or current employer. 

This is applicable in the following cases: 

• If both PF accounts (Member IDs) are linked to the same UAN, allotted on or after 1st October 2017, and the UAN is Aadhaar-linked.
• If the PF accounts are linked to different UANs, but both were allotted on or after 1st October 2017, and are linked with the same Aadhaar.
• In case PF accounts are under the same UAN allotted before 1st October 2017, and the UAN is Aadhaar-linked with matching name, date of birth and gender across accounts.
• If PF accounts belong to different UANs, where at least one UAN was allotted before 1st October 2017, and both are Aadhaar-linked with identical personal details.

Eligibility for EPF Transfer

Here are the eligibility criteria to place an EPF transfer request:

• You need to have an active UAN (Universal Account Number).
• Your registered mobile number needs to be active.
• The EPF portal should mention the joining date and exit date for the concerned organisation.
• You need to have an Aadhaar-linked EPF account.
• Your bank account should be linked to the EPF portal and verified by your employer.
• The EPFO allows the transfer of EPF accounts once for each member ID.

Documents and Forms Required for EPF Transfer

You need the following documents and forms for a seamless PF transfer procedure:

• A valid identity proof such as a PAN card, Aadhaar card or driving license
• Active UAN
• Current and previous PF account number
• Bank account details
• Salary bank account information
• Revised and updated Form 13
• Establishment number

Benefits of EPF Transfer

You can reap the following benefits of EPF transfer:

• If you transfer and maintain your EPF account for at least 5 years, you can enjoy tax-free withdrawals. However, if you transfer before 5 years, TDS will be chargeable.
• In case you hold an EPF account for more than 10 years, you can claim a pension after 58 years or after retirement. Nevertheless, if you close your account after every job switch, you will not be eligible for the mentioned benefit.
• You can reap the benefits of compound interest on your EPF savings provided by the EPFO. However, if you close and open another PF account, you will lose out on the benefit.

Important Things to Remember for EPF Transfer

Here are the things to note while you transfer your EPF account:

• Your UAN should be active.
• You need to have your registered mobile number functional.
• Ensure your bank account is linked to the UAN.
• Your KYC (Know Your Customer) should be verified.
• Ensure your previous and present employers have registered authorised digital signatures.
• Your previous and present employer’s PF numbers need to be saved in the EPFO database.

Importance of Linking UAN with Aadhaar

The reasons for which you need to link your Aadhaar and UAN are as follows:

• Linking UAN and Aadhaar ensures that the details you provided are accurate.
• You can enjoy seamless EPF withdrawal with Aadhaar-linked UAN.
• Linking Aadhaar with UAN ensures that the PF account holder has access to his/her account at present.

Final Word

EPF transfer helps you accumulate the contributed amount till retirement if you do not withdraw it partially prior to retirement. You can earn tax benefits and a pension if you hold your PF account for at least 10 years. Ensure your UAN and registered mobile numbers are active for a seamless PF transfer and claim settlement.

Simultaneously, you can accumulate corpus with fixed deposits with Stable Money partners at up to 8.50% interest per annum. 

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