I am 58 yrs old recently been seperated from a MNC. P? let me know, when I apply for final withdrawal of EPF amount after completion of say another 2-3 years, the way EPFO is crediting interest amount of previous year 8-9 months late, how the interest during the time of exit of that FY would be calculated & credited ?

Ans: 1. If there are no contributions made to the PF account for 3 years, the account becomes inactive. As per EPFO rule change as on April 2016, all inoperative accounts will be allowed to receive Interest till 58 years. So you can continue the account and not close the same.

2. Usually, PF doesn’t allow these kinds of withdrawals. You can make withdrawals for house purchase, marriage of self or dependent, education of children etc. Otherwise, year on year withdrawal is not permitted.

3. It is not mandatory to withdraw within 36 months post resignation.    

Ans: Congratulations on your new opportunity abroad. It's great to see you're planning your EPF withdrawal wisely. Let's address your queries in detail.

When Can You Withdraw Your Full EPF?
You can withdraw your EPF under certain conditions:

Retirement: Full EPF withdrawal is allowed at the age of 58.

Unemployment: If you are unemployed for more than two months, you can withdraw your EPF.

Early Withdrawals
Partial Withdrawal: You can partially withdraw for specific reasons like home purchase, marriage, or education.

After 50: Since you are 50, you can withdraw up to 90% of your EPF one year before your retirement.

Upto What Age Can You Earn Interest on Your EPF?
Your EPF account earns interest until you withdraw the amount. However, there are important points to consider:

Active Accounts: As long as you are contributing, your EPF account remains active and earns interest.

Inactive Accounts: If there are no contributions for three years, your account becomes inactive.

Interest on Inactive Accounts
Interest Continuation: Even if your account is inactive, it continues to earn interest until the age of 58.

Post 58: After 58, interest is credited only if you have not withdrawn the EPF balance.

Tax on EPF Interest
Understanding the tax implications on EPF interest is crucial:

Exempted Interest: Interest earned on EPF is tax-free if you complete five continuous years of service.

Pre-Mature Withdrawal: If you withdraw before completing five years, interest is taxable.

Taxation on Withdrawals
After 5 Years: Withdrawals after five years are tax-free.

Before 5 Years: Taxable as per your income slab, and TDS is deducted if the amount exceeds Rs 50,000.

Analytical Insights
Full EPF Withdrawal at Retirement
Withdrawing EPF at 58 ensures you benefit from tax-free interest. Your funds continue to grow, providing a substantial retirement corpus.

Managing Inactive EPF Accounts
It's wise to keep track of your EPF account even if it's inactive. Ensure your KYC details are updated to avoid any complications during withdrawal.

Tax Planning
Consider tax implications before withdrawing your EPF. Plan withdrawals strategically to minimise tax liability.

Benefits of Regular Monitoring
Regularly monitor your EPF account to ensure it's earning interest. Update your bank details and KYC to avoid any issues during withdrawal.

Conclusion
By understanding when to withdraw your EPF, the interest it earns, and the tax implications, you can make informed decisions. Regular monitoring and strategic planning will help you maximise your EPF benefits.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

Ans: As stated by EPFO, members transaction less account (except interest credit) will be inoperative after 36 consecutive months of no contribution.

Hence it is advisable that you withdraw your EPF corpus and invest in other avenues.