Form 19 in EPFO

Last Updated : June 7, 2025, 4:20 p.m.

EPFO is the Employees Provident Fund Organization and it has a retirement scheme in which the employer and the employee contribute their shares known as Employees Provident Fund Scheme. A part of the employee’s salary is contributed to this scheme and it is accumulated until his retirement. After retirement, the employee can claim for the accumulated amount. But if the employee wants to make the final settlement of the funds after his retirement then he has to fill up a form known as Form 19. So, Form 19 in EPFO is filled once the employee leaves his job and he can withdraw his whole funds from his EPF account. This form is usually needed for the final settlement of the EPF account.

What is Form 19 in EPFO?

Form 19 is the application form used by EPFO members to withdraw their entire Provident Fund balance as a final settlement. It is typically filed when an employee permanently exits the PF scheme, such as upon retirement, resignation, or in the event of death (by nominees). The form enables the withdrawal of both the employee’s and employer’s contributions, along with accrued interest, credited to the member’s PF account.

Purpose of Form 19

The primary purpose of Form 19 is to facilitate the complete withdrawal of PF funds under the following scenarios:

• Retirement : When a member reaches the age of 58 or retires from service.
• Resignation or Termination : When an employee leaves their job and remains unemployed for at least two months.
• Death of the Member : The PF balance is claimed by the nominee or legal heir.
• Permanent Disability : In cases where the member is unable to work due to total and permanent disability.
• Migration Abroad : For members permanently leaving India for employment or settlement abroad.
• Other Cases : Women employees resigning due to marriage, pregnancy, or childbirth are exempt from the two-month unemployment waiting period.

Eligibility for Filing Form 19

To file Form 19, members must meet the following criteria:

• UAN Activation : The Universal Account Number (UAN) must be activated and linked to Aadhaar, PAN, and a bank account.
• KYC Compliance : Aadhaar, PAN, and bank account details must be verified on the EPFO portal.
• Service Conditions :
  • Retirement at age 58 or superannuation.
  • Two months of unemployment after resignation (except for women citing marriage, pregnancy, or childbirth).
  • Death or permanent disability cases have no waiting period.
• No Active Employment : The member should not be contributing to another PF account at the time of filing.

Elements of EPFO Form 19

If you are filling the Form 19 then you will have to provide some details for the final settlement. The following details have to be filled in EPFO Form 19:-

• Name of the Member
• Father’s Name or Husband’s Name (for Married Woman)
• Date of Birth
• Name and Address of the Factory/Establishment
• P.F. Account Number or Universal Account Number (UAN)
• Date of Joining the Establishment
• Date of Leaving Service
• Reason for Leaving Service and it can be:-
  • Health of Member
  • Contraction/Discontinuation of employer’s business
  • Other Cause beyond the control of the member/Personal Reasons
• Permanent Account Number (PAN Card Details)
• Full Postal Address
• Mode of Payment
  • Savings Bank Account Number
  • Name of the Bank
  • Address of the Branch
  • IFS Code

Finally, you need to have the member’s signature and the employer’s Signature. An advanced stamp receipt has to be filled when you need the payment in the form of a cheque.

Points to Keep in Mind While Filling Form 19

• You can only fill the form 19 after two months from the date of retirement or leaving the job.
• The employee has to provide his registered phone number for the final settlement.
• You can fill the EPFO Form 19 either online or offline at your convenience.
• PAN details are necessary when you are filling this form.
• If you are making an offline settlement then you will have to need the employer’s signature and the seal of the organization.

Steps to Fill the Form 19 in EPFO Online

When you switch your job from one organization to another, the PF account is transferred to that organization. But when you want to close your PF account and want a final settlement then you will have to fill form 19. You can go through the steps below to fill the EPF Form 19 Online:-

• Open the EPFO Member Login Portal and log in to your UAN Account.
• In the Online Services section, click on the Claim (Form-31, 19, & 10C) option.
• Now provide the last 4 digits of your linked bank account and then click on the Verify button.
• Then click on the Yes option to sign the Certificate of Undertaking.
• Open the drop-down menu of the “I want to apply for” section and choose the Only PF Withdrawal (Form-19) option.
• Then a new section of the form will expand where you will have to enter your complete address.
• Mark the Disclaimer and then click on the Get Aadhar OTP link.
• Now you will receive an OTP on your registered mobile number.
• Enter the OTP and then click on the Submit button to submit your application.
• Once you submit your application successfully, a reference number will be generated.
• In 15-20 working days, your withdrawal amount will be deposited into your account.

Pre-Requisites for EPFO Form 19 Online Filling

• Your UAN must be activated at the EPF Member portal.
• The bank account and the PAN should be linked with the Universal Account Number.
• Employee’s Mobile Number should also be linked with the UAN .
• You will not see Form 19 in the withdrawal form if you are not eligible for the final settlement.

Taxation on Form 19 Withdrawals

• Tax-Free Withdrawals :
  • PF withdrawals are tax-free if the member has completed 5 years of continuous service (including service with previous employers if the PF was transferred).
  • Interest earned on contributions up to ₹2.5 lakh per year is tax-exempt.
• Taxable Withdrawals :
  • Withdrawals before 5 years of service are taxable as per the member’s income tax slab.
  • TDS (Tax Deducted at Source) applies at 10% (if PAN is provided) or 30% (without PAN) for amounts exceeding ₹50,000.
  • Members can submit Form 15G/15H to avoid TDS if their income is below the taxable limit.
• Exceptions : Withdrawals due to death, disability, or specific conditions (e.g., marriage) may have different tax treatments.

Conclusion

Form 19 is a vital tool for EPFO members seeking to withdraw their PF balance upon exiting the scheme. By ensuring KYC compliance, using the online portal, and coordinating with employers, members can streamline the process and receive funds efficiently. Understanding eligibility, taxation, and recent digital enhancements can further simplify the experience. For long-term financial planning, consider transferring PF accounts during job changes to maximize benefits.