"EPFO Form 13 Update: Will Your PF Transfer Now Trigger TDS?"

EPFO Form 13 Update: What Indian Taxpayers Must Know

In a major compliance shift, the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has updated Form 13 to separately capture taxable and non-taxable PF components. This change, aligned with Income Tax Rule 9D, ensures accurate TDS deductions on PF interest — a critical update for employees transferring PF accounts.

Let’s simplify what this means for you.

Why EPFO Updated Form 13

  • Budget 2021 introduced a tax on PF interest if annual employee contributions exceed ₹2.5 lakh (or ₹5 lakh if there’s no employer contribution).
  • To implement this rule, CBDT inserted Rule 9D under the Income-tax Rules, 1962.
  • EPFO’s updated Form 13 now separates your PF transfer amounts into:
    • Taxable component (interest on excess contributions)
    • Non-taxable component (normal PF savings)

Key Changes in New Form 13

AreaOld Form 13New Form 13 (2025)
Tax TreatmentSingle PF balance transferSplit into taxable & non-taxable
Compliance AlignmentNo disclosure of interest taxationAligns with Rule 9D reporting
Impact on EmployeesNo TDS clarityTDS will be calculated separately
Employer ResponsibilityBasic details onlySeparate entries mandatory

How Does This Impact You?

  • If your PF contribution crosses ₹2.5 lakh/year, interest earned on the excess will now be taxable.
  • At the time of PF transfer using Form 13:
    • The taxable interest portion will attract TDS as per Section 194A.
    • The non-taxable portion continues to enjoy full tax exemption under Section 10(11).

Step-by-Step Guide to the New PF Transfer

  1. Request Form 13 from your employer or download from EPFO portal.
  2. Fill details separately for taxable and non-taxable amounts.
  3. Submit the form online through your employer login or self-service portal.
  4. Track transfer status on the EPFO member portal.
  5. Update UAN records once transfer completes to avoid mismatch during ITR filing.