What is Form 19 ?
Form 19 is a document used under the Employees' Provident Fund (EPF) Scheme in India. It is filed by employees to withdraw the accumulated funds from their Provident Fund (PF) account upon retirement, resignation, or termination of employment. This form is also used when an employee permanently leaves their job and does not intend to work in an organization covered by the EPF Act.
Purpose of Form 19:
To claim the final settlement of the EPF account.
Used when an employee retires, resigns, or is terminated and is no longer contributing to the PF.
Eligibility to File Form 19:
The employee must have a valid UAN (Universal Account Number).
The individual must not be employed in another EPF-covered organization after leaving the previous job.
The EPF account must be inactive for at least 2 months, unless the employee is retiring.
Key Components of Form 19:
Personal Details:
Name, Father’s/Husband’s Name
Date of Birth
Contact Details
Employment Details:
Name and address of the last employer.
PF Account Number.
Date of joining and leaving the organization.
Bank Details:
Bank account number and IFSC code for transferring the PF amount.
Declaration:
The employee must declare that they are not currently employed in an EPF-covered organization.
Signature and Verification:
The form must be signed by the employee and verified by the employer.
Process to File Form 19:
Online Submission:
Log in to the EPFO Member Portal using your UAN and password.
Choose the "Online Services" tab and select Claim (Form-31, 19, 10C, and 10D).
Fill out the required details, upload documents, and submit the claim.
Offline Submission:
Download Form 19 from the EPFO website.
Fill it out and submit it to the concerned EPFO office through the employer.
Documents Required:
PAN card (if applicable).
Aadhaar card.
Bank passbook or canceled cheque.
Any additional documents requested by the EPFO.
Timeline for Withdrawal:
The withdrawal process generally takes 15-20 working days after submitting Form 19, provided all details and documents are correct.
Key Points to Note:
Tax Implications: If the EPF account is withdrawn before 5 years of continuous service, TDS (Tax Deducted at Source) may apply.
Partial Withdrawal: For purposes like medical emergencies or education, Form 31 should be used instead.
Importance of Form 19:
Provides an official way for employees to claim their EPF funds.
Ensures smooth transfer and settlement of the accumulated PF amount.
Helps employees access their retirement savings when leaving employment.
Form 19 is essential for EPF account holders to secure their hard-earned savings after they conclude their employment.