EPFO Form 15G: When withdrawing money from your Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) before completing 5 years of service, the EPFO may deduct TDS (Tax Deducted at Source) if the withdrawal amount exceeds ₹50,000.
This article explains what Form 15G is, who can submit it, required documents, and how to fill Form 15G for EPF withdrawal step-by-step.
What is Form 15G?
Form 15G is a self-declaration form under Section 197A of the Income Tax Act, 1961. It is submitted by individuals who want to request that no TDS be deducted on certain incomes because their total taxable income is below the basic exemption limit.
The form is commonly used for:
- EPF Withdrawal
- Bank Fixed Deposit Interest
- Post Office Deposits
- Corporate Bonds
- Insurance Commission
- Interest Income
In the case of EPF withdrawal, submitting Form 15G informs EPFO that your income is not taxable, so TDS should not be deducted.
When is Form 15G Required for EPF Withdrawal?
- You withdraw EPF before completing 5 years of service.
- The withdrawal amount is more than ₹50,000.
- Your total annual income is below the basic exemption limit.
If these conditions are satisfied, submitting Form 15G can help you avoid TDS deduction on your PF withdrawal.
Basic Exemption Limit for Income Tax
| Category | Basic Exemption Limit |
|---|---|
| Individual (Below 60 years) | ₹2,50,000 |
| Senior Citizen (60–80 years) | ₹3,00,000 |
| Super Senior Citizen (80+) | ₹5,00,000 |
Who Can Submit Form 15G?
- You are an individual or Hindu Undivided Family (HUF).
- You are below 60 years of age.
- Your total income is below the taxable limit.
- Your tax liability for the financial year is zero.
Note: Senior citizens (60+) must submit Form 15H instead of Form 15G.
Documents Required to Fill Form 15G
- PAN Card
- Aadhaar Card
- EPF Account Number (UAN)
- Address Details
- Mobile Number
- Email ID
- Estimated Annual Income
- Details of previous Form 15G submissions (if any)
Providing a valid PAN number is mandatory; otherwise, higher TDS may be deducted.
How to Fill Form 15G for EPF Withdrawal (Step-by-Step)
Form 15G contains two parts. Part I is filled by the applicant, while Part II is filled by the institution (EPFO or bank).
Part I – Declaration by the Individual
1. Name of Assessee (Declarant)
2. PAN of the Assessee
3. Status
Write your tax status. Example: Individual
4–12 Address Details
Fill your complete residential address including flat number, building name, street, area, city, state, and PIN code.
13. Email Address
Enter a valid email address.
14. Mobile Number
Provide your active mobile number.
15(a) Whether Assessed to Tax
Select YES if you have filed income tax returns previously. Otherwise select NO.
15(b) Latest Assessment Year
If you selected YES, enter the latest assessment year. Example: 2024–25
16. Estimated Income
Enter the income amount for which the declaration is made (for example PF withdrawal amount).
17. Estimated Total Income
Enter your estimated total income for the entire financial year.
18. Details of Form 15G Submitted Earlier
If you have submitted Form 15G elsewhere during the same financial year, mention the details.
19. Details of Income for Which Declaration is Filed
| Sl No | Account Number | Nature of Income | Section | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | PF Account Number | EPF Withdrawal | 192A | ₹1,20,000 |
How to Submit Form 15G to EPFO
Online Submission
- Visit EPFO Member Portal
- Login using UAN and password
- Go to Online Services
- Select Claim (Form 31, 19, 10C)
- Upload Form 15G
- Submit the claim
Offline Submission
- EPFO Office
- Your Employer
- Bank handling PF withdrawal
Important Points to Remember
- PAN number is mandatory.
- Total income must be below the taxable limit.
- Incorrect information may lead to penalties.
- Form 15G is valid only for one financial year.
- The form must be submitted before TDS deduction.
Form 15G vs Form 15H
| Feature | Form 15G | Form 15H |
|---|---|---|
| Age Limit | Below 60 years | 60 years and above |
| Used By | Individuals / HUF | Senior Citizens |
| Tax Condition | Income below taxable limit | Tax liability must be zero |
Conclusion
Form 15G is an important declaration form that helps individuals avoid unnecessary TDS deductions during EPF withdrawals before completing five years of service.
By filling and submitting the form correctly, eligible individuals can withdraw their PF without TDS deduction, provided their total income remains below the taxable threshold.
