Starting a New Company with 5 Employees: How Do We Handle EPF Contributions?

We are a newly launched company with 5 people. How do we go about with PF contribution for employees, and can we have an employer account for it.

Thanks

Yes, you can enroll for both ESI and EPF as voluntary enrollment if the management decides to offer benefits to employees.

There is no provision for voluntary coverage under the ESI scheme. However, you can opt for it under the EPF Act, under Section 1(4).

The minimum number of employees for coverage of an establishment under the EPF & MP Act 1952 is 20. However, you can opt for voluntary coverage. Once an establishment is covered, it will remain covered even if the staff strength decreases to one. Compliance must be maintained regularly. Under the ESI Act 1948, voluntary coverage is allowed unless the establishment has twenty employees.

Honestly, I would advise against opting for voluntary coverage. Avoid inviting unnecessary trouble.

Regards,
RL Dhingra
Advocate, Labour Law Consultant, Delhi
[Phone Number Removed For Privacy Reasons]