Confused About EPF KYC Requirements? Need Clarity on PAN and Savings Account Issues

I work in Coimbatore. My employer deducts PF. For KYC updation, my employer insisted on PAN, which I do not have. Then, I googled and showed the EPFO notification asking for any of the listed documents. So, I provided my Aadhar number for updating my KYC. However, they are still insisting on PAN, stating that the Coimbatore RO says it is a must to have PAN. Could you please clarify if the interpretation of the EPF India notification varies from RO to RO?

Issue with Savings Account Requirement

Regarding another issue, I have two savings accounts where my husband and I are joint holders. My employer insists that EPF requires a savings account where I am the primary holder, indirectly suggesting that I open a separate savings account for myself. Please help me navigate these situations.

Thanks in advance,

Regards,
Bhuvana.

Your employer is right to ask for a bank account. A bank account is mandatory for PF KYC. Nowadays, it is very easy to get a bank account opened. You can even get it opened under "Jan Dhan Yojna." Please do not be confused and open the account immediately as EPF is forcing the employer to update the KYC asap.

Regards,
Dinesh Kumar
HR Professional

Appropriate Government Clarification

This relates to the matter of the Appropriate Government. As per Section 2(a), the Appropriate Government means, in relation to an establishment belonging to or under the control of the Central Government, or in relation to an establishment connected with a railway company, a major port, a mine, or an oil field, or a controlled industry, or in relation to an establishment having departments or branches in more than one State, the Central Government; and in relation to any other establishment, the State Government.

• Now, the appropriate government has issued a circular or notification stating that instead of the Aadhaar card, only the PAN card should be collected (if yes, then it is mandatory).

• A bank account is mandatory for the UAN, so it is better to open a savings account in any bank (single account).

Thank you.

KYC Document Requirements for EPF

KYC requires any of the following documents:

- National Population Register, AADHAR, Permanent Account Number, Bank Account Number
- Passport, Driving License, Election Card, Ration Card

However, it was indirectly highlighted that Aadhar and PAN are necessary but not compulsory. As shown in the attached list by EPFO, members were categorized based on Aadhar, PAN, and Bank account details.

Joint Accounts and EPF Settlements

Joint accounts are acceptable for EPF settlements up to now. Nonetheless, having the account solely in your name simplifies the process of claiming your individuality.

Lastly, you can update your KYC without PAN by providing a joint account. Yet, having a PAN and an individual account makes the process smoother for EPFO and the Employer.

Regards,
Stephen Marks
HR Assistant
Jai Valves Centre
Viralimalai, Tamil Nadu, India