Exempted PF Trust

If you're working for a large organisation in India, there's a chance your Provident Fund (PF) isn't managed by the EPFO but by your employer through an Exempted PF Trust. Under Section 17 of the Employees’ Provident Funds and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, certain companies are allowed to manage PF contributions in-house instead of depositing them with the EPFO. Currently, there are over 1,500 such companies in India, including large corporations and public sector undertakings.

These Exempted PF Trusts are still required to follow EPF rules and offer benefits like the Employee Pension Scheme and Universal Account Numbers (UAN) for employees. But how do they actually work, and what makes them different from regular EPF accounts? Let’s explore everything you need to know if you're part of one.

Exempted PF Contributions

In an Exempted PF Trust, both the employee and employer contribute 12% of the employee's salary to the provident fund, just like in the standard EPF scheme. Out of the employer's 12% contribution, 8.67% is directed to the Employee Pension Scheme (EPS), which is still managed by the EPFO.

Unlike regular EPF members, employees in an exempted PF trust pay a lower inspection charge of 0.18%, instead of the 1.1% admin fee charged under EPF. Over time, this can mean cost savings for both employers and employees.

These private PF trusts must match or exceed the interest rate set by EPFO, and they manage employee funds independently.

Withdrawal from Exempted PF

If you work for an organisation that falls in the exempted list, you are allowed to withdraw up to 75% of your Provident Fund balance one month after losing your job. The remaining 25% becomes available for withdrawal after two months. Once you reach the age of 58, you become eligible to receive a pension through the Employees' Pension Scheme.

If you move from one organisation with an Exempted PF Trust to another, you can transfer your PF balance to the new employer's trust. If you join a company registered under the regular EPFO system, you may transfer your PF balance to the EPFO.

If you shift into self-employment or move to the unorganised sector, it is treated as unemployment. In such a case, you may either withdraw your PF amount after two months or choose to leave it as it is. However, if you retain the balance without any active employment, the interest earned on it may become taxable.

Read Also:- How To Withdraw PF Amount Online

Rating of Exempted PF

The EPFO assigns ratings to Exempted PF Trusts based on six important criteria that reflect performance and compliance. These include the timely transfer of provident fund contributions, timely investment of funds, and prompt remittance of money to the trust. 

You should also know that the trust must declare interest rates that are at least equal to, if not higher than, those set by the EPFO. In addition, timely settlement of claims and proper audit compliance are considered. 

These ratings are reviewed and published by the EPFO at regular intervals to promote transparency and ensure that your PF is managed responsibly.

Benefits of Exempted PF

Operating under the umbrella of the EPFO, Exempted PF Trusts offer several advantages:

Lower Admin Charges

Employees in these trusts are charged only 0.18% as an inspection fee, unlike the 1.1% administration fee in standard EPF.

Potentially Higher Interest

Private PF trusts can declare interest rates that are equal to or higher than the EPFO’s rates.

Improved Services

Private trusts may offer quicker grievance redressal and more responsive customer service compared to EPFO.

Tax Benefits

Just like EPF, contributions up to ₹1.5 lakh are eligible for deductions under Section 80C. Employer contributions and interest are also tax-free. But, if you leave the job before 5 years of service, the employer contribution and interest become taxable.

Viewing the Balance of an Exempted PF Trust

Although you are allotted a Universal Account Number, you cannot view your passbook or withdraw funds online through the EPFO portal. To check your PF balance, you need to get in touch with your employer's HR department or refer to your payslips.

PF Transfer from Unexempted to Exempted

If you are moving from a regular EPF setup to an Exempted PF Trust, you can transfer your PF balance online. Start by logging into the EPFO portal using your Universal Account Number (UAN). Go to the 'Online Services' tab and choose the 'Transfer Request' option. 

After submitting the form, you can track the status directly through the portal. Once verified, your PF balance will be transferred from your previous EPF account to the new exempted trust. Keep in mind, once the funds are moved, you will no longer see the balance on the EPFO site—you will need to contact the trust directly for any updates or statements.

Details Required to Transfer

To process a PF transfer, the following information is essential:

  • Bank account details

  • Registered mobile number

Conclusion

Being part of an Exempted PF Trust means your Provident Fund contributions are managed by your employer, not directly by the EPFO. While the trust handles operations independently, it must comply with all EPFO guidelines under Section 17 of the EPF Act. 

Your benefits—such as access to the Employee Pension Scheme and your Universal Account Number (UAN)—remain protected under the same laws. It is important to understand how your retirement funds are being managed, especially when withdrawing funds, checking interest rates, or switching employers. Staying informed empowers you to make better financial decisions for your future.

Share this article: 

Published Date : 04 Oct 2025

Frequently Asked Questions

No result found

search icon
investment-card-icon

Advanced Charting Tools for Smarter Trading | Bajaj Broking

Trading charts visualise vast amounts of market data, making it easier for users to identify patterns and track trends. Learn all about advanced charting tools as offered by Bajaj Broking in partnership with TradingView.

investment-card-icon

Open Ended Mutual Funds

Open ended mutual funds offer liquidity, performance over market cycles, and SIP options. Know the potential risks like high volatility. Start investing today!

investment-card-icon

Gold vs Silver Investment: Comparison for Your Portfolio

Compare gold and silver as investment options by evaluating risk, returns, liquidity, and long-term performance to align with your personal financial goals.

investment-card-icon

What Is Share Turnover

Share turnover helps gauge stock liquidity. Know how to calculate this key metric and what it reveals about investor interest and market activity.

investment-card-icon

What is Simple Moving Average (SMA)

Read this blog to learn how to calculate simple moving average and how to use it in your day-to-day trading. Get a thorough grip over its pros & cons!

investment-card-icon

Stock Dividends

Stock Dividends offer investors additional shares instead of cash payouts. Find out how they work, their benefits, drawbacks, and tax implications.

investment-card-icon

Over the Counter Market in India

OTC options are those options that trade in the over-the-counter market. Know its meaning, how it works, along with major advantages and disadvantages.

investment-card-icon

How Brokerage Calculators Work

Brokerage calculators estimate your total trading costs, including fees and taxes. Use them to make smarter, cost-efficient decisions on every trade.

investment-card-icon

How to Use a Brokerage Calculator for Trading Costs

Calculate your trading costs with our brokerage calculator. Understand brokerage charges and optimize your trading strategy.

investment-card-icon

How to Calculate SIP Returns

SIP returns are calculated differently from one-time investments. Each SIP needs separate evaluation. Read on to understand how SIP return calculation works

Disclaimer :

The information on this website is provided on "AS IS" basis. Bajaj Broking (BFSL) does not warrant the accuracy of the information given herein, either expressly or impliedly, for any particular purpose and expressly disclaims any warranties of merchantability or suitability for any particular purpose. While BFSL strives to ensure accuracy, it does not guarantee the completeness, reliability, or timeliness of the information. Users are advised to independently verify details and stay updated with any changes.

The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only and is subject to change without prior notice. BFSL shall not be responsible for any consequences arising from reliance on the information provided herein and shall not be held responsible for all or any actions that may subsequently result in any loss, damage and or liability. Interest rates, fees, and charges etc., are revised from time to time, for the latest details please refer to our Pricing page.

Neither the information, nor any opinion contained in this website constitutes a solicitation or offer by BFSL or its affiliates to buy or sell any securities, futures, options or other financial instruments or provide any investment advice or service.

BFSL is acting as distributor for non-broking products/ services such as IPO, Mutual Fund, Insurance, PMS, and NPS. These are not Exchange Traded Products. For more details on risk factors, terms and conditions please read the sales brochure carefully before investing.

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risk, read all related documents carefully before investing. This content is for educational purposes only. Securities quoted are exemplary and not recommendatory.

[ Read More ]

For more disclaimer, check here : https://www.bajajbroking.in/disclaimer

Our Secure Trading Platforms

Level up your stock market experience: Download the Bajaj Broking App for effortless investing and trading

Bajaj Broking App Download

10 lakh+ Users

icon-with-text

4.8 App Rating

icon-with-text

4 Languages

icon-with-text

₹7,300+ Cr MTF Book

icon-with-text
banner-icon

Open Your Free Demat Account

Enjoy low brokerage on delivery trades

+91

|

Please Enter Mobile Number

Open Your Free Demat Account

Enjoy low brokerage on delivery trades

+91

|