I worked in company A for 5 years and accumulated PF and then I joined company B and worked for 8 months and accumulated PF. Before I could link these 2 PFs account, I got a job abroad and worked there for 7 years. As my contract is over, I had to return to India. I am presently getting rental income of Rs. 12 Lakhs per annum and paying tax on that. My age is 55 years now. Can I withdraw both the PF amount totalling Rs. 15 Lakhs as on date? Is it taxable? To avoid Income tax, do I need to wait till 60 years of age?

Ans: Since, you have worked for more than 5 years in the organisation, there is no tax on PF interest upto the period you were employed.Interest on PF is taxable after this period.

Ans: Yes, amount received from EPF before completion of 5 years of service will be taxable and TDS will be deducted @10%

Ans: It can be tricky to access your PF balance when the company no longer exists. Here are some steps you can take to retrieve your PF balance:

1. Gather Your Documents:

• UAN (Universal Account Number): You can check your UAN on your pay slips from the past employer or by logging in to the EPFO website if you remember your PF account number.
• PF Account Number: If you don't have a UAN, you'll need your PF account number, which was usually mentioned on your salary slips.
• Company Details: Try to gather any information you can about the company you worked for, such as its previous name, acquiring company's name (if known), and the date of acquisition.

2. Withdrawal Process:
Option 1: Online (if you have UAN):
• Log in to the EPFO Member Interface using your UAN and registered mobile number.
• Go to the "Services" tab and select "Claim Settlement."
• Choose the appropriate withdrawal form based on your reason for withdrawal (Form 10C for full withdrawal, etc.).
• Fill in the details for the account you want to withdraw from (specify "previous employer" if you don't see it automatically).
• Enter the company details you have as "Establishment Type" and mention "Closed Establishment" in the remarks section.
• Submit the claim form with all required documents (scanned copies).

Option 2: Offline (if no UAN):
• Download the appropriate withdrawal form for non-UAN members (Composite Claim Form).
• Fill in the form with your details and company information.
• Get the form attested by a bank manager or gazetted officer.
• Submit the completed form with supporting documents to the Regional PF Office having jurisdiction over your previous employer's location.
3. Follow Up:
• Whether you apply online or offline, keep track of your claim status regularly. You can do this through the EPFO website or by contacting the regional PF office.
• If you remember the acquiring company's name, contacting their HR department might also be helpful. They might have records of your previous company's employees and PF accounts.

Ans: Your situation is quite common among professionals who have relocated abroad. It's great that you are considering your options wisely. Let's explore your options and see what might work best for you.

Understanding Your Provident Fund (PF)
Your Provident Fund (PF) is a long-term savings scheme to provide benefits during retirement. You have a significant amount accumulated from your years of service in India.

Keeping Money in PF Until Retirement
Leaving your money in the PF account until retirement has certain advantages.

Benefits of Keeping Money in PF
Safety and Security: PF is a government-backed scheme, offering high security.

Tax-Free Interest: Interest earned on PF is generally tax-free until withdrawal.

Regular Pension: Upon retirement, you will receive a regular pension from the Employees’ Pension Scheme (EPS).

Potential Drawbacks
Lower Liquidity: Funds are locked in until you reach retirement age, limiting access.

Inflation Impact: The fixed interest rate may not always keep pace with inflation.

Withdrawing PF and Investing Elsewhere
Alternatively, you can withdraw your PF and invest it in other instruments like Fixed Deposits (FD) or Mutual Funds (MF).

Benefits of Withdrawing and Investing
Higher Returns Potential: Mutual funds, especially equity funds, have the potential for higher returns.

Diversification: Investing in different instruments can spread and reduce risk.

Liquidity: Investments in mutual funds and FDs are more liquid, allowing easier access to funds.

Risks to Consider
Market Volatility: Equity mutual funds can be volatile and subject to market risks.

Tax Implications: Withdrawals from PF before 5 years of continuous service are taxable.

Evaluating Fixed Deposits (FD)
Fixed Deposits (FD) are a safe investment option but have their own pros and cons.

Benefits of FDs
Safety: FDs are low-risk and provide guaranteed returns.

Fixed Interest: You know exactly how much interest you will earn over the term.

Drawbacks of FDs
Lower Returns: FDs typically offer lower returns compared to equity mutual funds.

Taxable Interest: Interest earned on FDs is taxable, reducing net returns.

Evaluating Mutual Funds (MF)
Mutual funds can offer better returns, especially if you choose actively managed funds.

Benefits of Mutual Funds
Higher Returns Potential: Over the long term, mutual funds, especially equity funds, can provide substantial returns.

Professional Management: Fund managers handle investments, aiming to maximise returns.

Diversification: Mutual funds spread investments across various assets, reducing risk.

Disadvantages of Index Funds
Average Returns: Index funds mimic market indexes and provide average returns, which may not be optimal.

Lack of Flexibility: They cannot adapt to market changes like actively managed funds can.

Less Protection in Downturns: Index funds cannot avoid poorly performing sectors or stocks.

Choosing Between Direct and Regular Funds
When investing in mutual funds, it’s important to choose between direct funds and regular funds.

Disadvantages of Direct Funds
No Advisory Support: Direct funds lack guidance from a Certified Financial Planner (CFP).

Time-Consuming: Managing and choosing the right funds requires significant time and knowledge.

Higher Risk of Missteps: Without professional advice, the risk of making suboptimal choices increases.

Benefits of Regular Funds
Professional Guidance: Investing through a CFP provides expert advice tailored to your goals.

Regular Monitoring: A CFP regularly reviews your portfolio, making necessary adjustments.

Optimised Portfolio: CFPs ensure your investments align with your risk profile and goals.

Deciding the Best Course of Action
To decide whether to keep your PF or withdraw and invest, consider the following:

Personal Financial Goals
Time Horizon: If you have a long-term horizon, mutual funds might be suitable for higher returns.

Risk Tolerance: Assess your comfort level with market volatility and risks.

Financial Needs
Liquidity Needs: Consider if you need access to funds before retirement.

Tax Considerations: Evaluate the tax implications of withdrawing your PF and the tax benefits of other investments.

Conclusion
Deciding whether to keep your PF until retirement or withdraw and invest in other options depends on your financial goals, risk tolerance, and need for liquidity. Keeping your PF offers security and a regular pension, while withdrawing and investing in FDs or mutual funds could potentially offer higher returns. Consulting with a Certified Financial Planner can provide personalised guidance and help optimise your investment strategy.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in