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Should I withdraw my EPF after govt didn't credit interest?

Milind

Milind Vadjikar  |1210 Answers  |Ask -

Insurance, Stocks, MF, PF Expert - Answered on Sep 06, 2024

Milind Vadjikar is an independent MF distributor registered with Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI) and a retirement financial planning advisor registered with Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA).
He has a mechanical engineering degree from Government Engineering College, Sambhajinagar, and an MBA in international business from the Symbiosis Institute of Business Management, Pune.
With over 16 years of experience in stock investments, and over six year experience in investment guidance and support, he believes that balanced asset allocation and goal-focused disciplined investing is the key to achieving investor goals.... more
Satyanarayan Question by Satyanarayan on Aug 25, 2023Hindi
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Sir, I was working in Private Company and retired in June last. I have not withdrawn my EPF amount because the govt has not credited the interest as on 31.03.2023 on my EPF amount. Shall I withdraw and invest it in any Fixed Deposit scheme? If I withdraw shall they calculate the interest and credit it to my account? Please advise.

Ans: You should withdraw your EPF(with interest)and invest in PMVVY, SCSS, Postal MIS(15, 30, 15, total 60L) since these come with sovereign safety.

Then look at FDs but prefer Big/Govt banks and do split it into small ticket size across banks.

Ensure adequate healthcare support for self and spouse in retirement.

SWP from MFs is also an option to get periodic payments from MF corpus but you will need advice from an MF advisor to plan this.

*Investments in mutual funds are subjected to market risks. Please read all scheme related documents carefully before investing

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DISCLAIMER: The content of this post by the expert is the personal view of the rediffGURU. Users are advised to pursue the information provided by the rediffGURU only as a source of information to be as a point of reference and to rely on their own judgement when making a decision.
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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8327 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 08, 2024

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Hi Sir, I have stopped EPF contributions wef Sept 23 due to end of my regular job at age of 57. Do I need to withdraw exactly as soon as I complete 58? Or I can park the money in EPFO to earn interest and withdraw when I require later? Do I need to
Ans: You're making prudent considerations regarding your EPF contributions. Let's discuss your options:
Withdrawal Timing:
• You have the flexibility to withdraw your EPF balance after the age of 58, as per EPFO regulations. There's no mandatory requirement to withdraw immediately upon turning 58. You can choose to keep the funds parked in your EPF account to continue earning interest until you require them.
Interest Earnings:
• By leaving your EPF balance untouched, you can benefit from accruing interest on your savings. EPF offers competitive interest rates, providing an opportunity for your funds to grow over time. This approach can be particularly advantageous if you don't have an immediate need for the funds and wish to capitalize on their earning potential.
Withdrawal Considerations:
• While you have the option to retain your EPF balance and withdraw it at a later date, it's essential to evaluate your financial goals and liquidity needs. Consider factors such as your retirement plans, anticipated expenses, and other sources of income. If you foresee a need for funds in the near future, withdrawing from your EPF account may be a viable option.
Financial Planning:
• As you navigate this decision, consider consulting with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) who can provide personalized guidance based on your specific financial situation and goals. A CFP can help you assess the pros and cons of retaining your EPF balance versus withdrawing it, taking into account factors such as taxation, inflation, and investment alternatives.
In summary, you have the flexibility to decide when to withdraw your EPF balance after the age of 58. While retaining the funds in your EPF account allows you to continue earning interest, it's essential to weigh this option against your financial needs and objectives. By carefully evaluating your circumstances and seeking professional advice, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your long-term financial well-being.

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8327 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jun 03, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - May 29, 2024Hindi
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Hi Sir, Greetings! I worked in the company for 22 years. I resigned and moved to abroad for better opportunity. Currently my is 50 years and not withdrawn my EPF. I have the following query. 1. When can I withdraw my full EPF? 2. Upto what age I can earn interest on my EPF? 3. Tax on EPF interest.
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

..Read more

Latest Questions
Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8327 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 09, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - May 09, 2025
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Dear Sir, I am 55 and I am a stage 4 cancer patient for the past 5 years. Presently working with a salary of Rs.30 LPA. I have Rs.75 L in SB account. Rs.25 L in shares out of which Rs.12 L is loss. Rs.12 L in mutual funds. Rs.3 L in EPF. No commitments or liabilities. I need to know how I can get Rs. 70 K per month in case I lose my job. Kindly advise.
Ans: I truly appreciate your courage and clarity even in the face of health challenges. With your current financial resources and the need to secure a monthly income of Rs. 70,000, a detailed and careful plan is very much possible.

Let me give you a full 360-degree solution below, step-by-step.

Understanding Your Present Financial Picture
You are 55 years old and have been living with stage 4 cancer for 5 years.

You are still employed and drawing a salary of Rs. 30 lakhs per year.

You have Rs. 75 lakhs in your savings bank account.

You hold Rs. 25 lakhs in shares, with Rs. 12 lakhs in losses.

You have Rs. 12 lakhs in mutual funds.

Rs. 3 lakhs is in your EPF account.

You have no loans or financial commitments.

Your main concern is to receive Rs. 70,000 every month if the job stops.

You are not looking to take risks.

You want regular, reliable income without physical involvement.

Step 1: Emergency Medical and Health Fund
Health comes first. Keep money aside just for medical needs.

This fund should cover two years of your full household and medical costs.

Keep Rs. 15 to 20 lakhs aside for this purpose.

This money should be in ultra-safe places.

Prefer a savings bank account and liquid mutual funds.

This should remain untouched unless truly needed.

This emergency buffer gives peace and avoids panic in tough times.

Step 2: Generate Rs. 70,000 Monthly Income
Rs. 70,000 monthly means Rs. 8.4 lakhs needed per year.

Aim for post-tax cash flow from your investments.

Break your funds into income generation buckets.

Use your Rs. 75 lakhs from savings bank as the core capital.

Avoid keeping the full amount idle in SB account.

Allocate funds into low-risk, stable return instruments.

Prefer investment avenues offering quarterly or monthly payouts.

Choose options where you can withdraw in parts if needed.

Step 3: Structured Investment Allocation
Short-Term Bucket: 1 to 2 Years

Set aside Rs. 18 to 20 lakhs for short-term needs.

Put this money into highly liquid options.

Use only those that protect capital and give fixed income.

These funds will generate stable income for the next two years.

Prefer options offering monthly or quarterly payouts.

This will help replace your salary if job stops.

You don’t need to sell any shares or mutual funds right away.

You get time to think clearly, plan calmly.

Medium-Term Bucket: 3 to 5 Years

Keep around Rs. 25 to 30 lakhs here.

Invest in actively managed hybrid mutual funds.

Choose regular plans through a mutual fund distributor with CFP credentials.

Do not go for direct funds.

Direct plans do not come with personalised guidance.

There is no one to help you rebalance, switch or review.

Regular plans through a Certified Financial Planner offer ongoing support.

With hybrid funds, risk is moderate and returns are better than FDs.

Use SWP (Systematic Withdrawal Plan) to get monthly income.

You can set up SWP of Rs. 40,000 to 50,000 from this bucket.

These funds will last for years while also growing gradually.

Long-Term Bucket: 5+ Years

Keep Rs. 10 to 15 lakhs for the long-term.

This is not for current income, but for inflation beating growth.

Invest in actively managed large cap or balanced advantage funds.

Again, use regular plans with Certified Financial Planner.

These funds will build wealth for later stages.

You can shift gains to the medium bucket after 5 years.

Step 4: Shareholding Review and Action Plan
You have Rs. 25 lakhs in shares.

Out of this, Rs. 12 lakhs are in losses.

Do not sell them in a hurry.

Some may recover if you wait patiently.

First, make a list of all companies and their quality.

Exit poor-quality stocks even at a loss.

Retain good quality stocks with strong future.

If the whole portfolio is confusing, take help from a Certified Financial Planner.

You can harvest the loss now to set off gains later.

Book losses smartly to reduce future capital gains tax.

After cleaning up, move the proceeds to your medium bucket.

Step 5: Mutual Fund Review
You hold Rs. 12 lakhs in mutual funds.

Find out the type of each fund.

If these are equity funds, hold them long-term.

If returns are low or risk is high, shift to hybrid funds.

Avoid investing in index funds.

Index funds cannot protect capital in falling markets.

They simply copy the market blindly.

Actively managed funds are safer.

Professional fund managers take timely actions.

They reduce your risk and improve consistency.

Step 6: EPF Strategy
You have Rs. 3 lakhs in EPF.

EPF earns stable tax-free interest.

Do not withdraw unless it’s urgent.

Keep it as part of your long-term reserve.

Step 7: Monthly Income Setup
Use short-term and medium-term buckets to get income.

Start SWP from mutual funds for Rs. 40,000 monthly.

Use fixed income tools for Rs. 30,000 more.

Review this every year with a Certified Financial Planner.

Adjust amounts if needed based on inflation.

Step 8: Tax Planning and Awareness
Income from mutual funds is taxable.

Long-term capital gains above Rs. 1.25 lakhs taxed at 12.5%.

Short-term gains taxed at 20%.

Debt fund gains taxed as per your slab.

Plan redemptions to avoid tax shocks.

Harvest profits in a planned manner.

Step 9: Avoid These Common Mistakes
Do not invest in real estate.

It is illiquid and needs physical handling.

Do not buy annuities.

They give poor returns and lock your money.

Do not fall for insurance + investment combos.

If you already hold such policies, review them.

Consider surrender if return is poor.

Reinvest the proceeds into mutual funds.

Step 10: Use a Certified Financial Planner
A Certified Financial Planner gives structured and unbiased advice.

They help you with fund selection, SWP setup, rebalancing.

They guide you with tax-saving and risk control.

Their ongoing service is crucial at your life stage.

Choose someone with experience and clear credentials.

Finally
You are in a better financial position than many.

You have no loans, no dependents, and have built good savings.

With a calm and simple plan, you can replace your income safely.

You do not need to take risky steps now.

You have already shown strength by managing your life and job for 5 years.

Now your money should serve you with peace and stability.

Break your capital into buckets.

Get monthly income through safe withdrawals.

Review regularly with a Certified Financial Planner.

Avoid unnecessary complexity or noise.

You deserve a peaceful financial life.

Your health is precious. Let money be your quiet support.

Invest safe. Withdraw smart. Sleep well.

You are already doing well. Just add clarity and structure.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment

...Read more

DISCLAIMER: The content of this post by the expert is the personal view of the rediffGURU. Investment in securities market are subject to market risks. Read all the related document carefully before investing. The securities quoted are for illustration only and are not recommendatory. Users are advised to pursue the information provided by the rediffGURU only as a source of information and as a point of reference and to rely on their own judgement when making a decision. RediffGURUS is an intermediary as per India's Information Technology Act.

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