How Can I Withdraw My PF Without Heavy TDS After Working Abroad? Seeking Advice!

Hi, I would like to have guidance on PF transfer and withdrawal. I worked for a company in Noida for 2 years, and my PF account is dormant now. I worked for another company in Bangalore for 4 years but did not get my PF account transferred. I left the Bangalore company 3 years ago and am currently working outside India.

PF Withdrawal Concerns

Now I want to withdraw my PF balance. I thought that if I transferred my balance from Noida to Bangalore, I could withdraw from Bangalore without TDS. However, my ex-employer in Bangalore is telling me that I cannot transfer my Noida balance to Bangalore now since I am not working for the Bangalore company anymore. I don't want to pay heavy TDS.

What are the options available?

Thanks in advance.

According to me, the only option to get income tax exemption is to join a PF applicable service and transfer the EPF from both previous services by submitting separate forms, namely Form 13, to the previous RPFC offices through your present employer.

Regards,
Abbas. P. S

Thank you, Abbas. I don't have the option of joining any company in India and thus getting both accounts transferred. If I withdraw, will there be TDS? Is TDS a standard practice on PF withdrawal?

TDS on EPF Withdrawal

TDS will not be attracted on EPF. You shall withdraw the EPF without any direct or indirect tax deductions.

Regards,
Ganesh.H.N
Bengaluru

If you withdraw before the 5-year TDS can be applied, you may log on to www.epfindia.gov.in, download the directory, and speak to the PRO/APFC.