Sreeram Viswanath

Expert

Published on: Jun 24, 2026

Monthly Pf Return Filing

Provident fund is a social security system that was introduced for the purpose of encouraging savings among employees, so as to benefit them during the course of their retirement. Contributions are made by the employer and the employee on a monthly basis. PF contributions can only be withdrawn by the employee at the time of his/her retirement, barring a few exceptions. All employers having PF registration are responsible to file returns on a monthly basis. The filing of ESI returns must be completed by the 15th of each month. This article deals with the filing of provident fund returns, and the various forms through which the purpose must be fulfilled. Employers can now easily file PF return through the Unified Portal.

Form 2

This form is filed for the purpose of declaration and nomination under the flagship schemes of Employees Provident Fund and Employees Family Pension. It must be filed by an employee when he joins an entity.  The form must be submitted along with Form 5. Form 2 is divided into two distinct parts:

Part A

Part A of Form 2 specifically deals with nominating the recipients of EPF balance of a particular account holder, in the event of his/her death. The following details of the nominee must be included in this part of the form:

  • Name
  • Address
  • Relationship with the subscriber
  • Age
  • Sum of money to be paid to the nominee
  • Guardian details (if the nominee is a minor)

Note: This section must be signed or a thumb impression has to be made at the end of the section.

Part B

Part B should contain the details of the nominee as already specified in Form A. In addition to it, details of the family members who are eligible to receive the children/widow pension must be furnished. Note: This section must be signed or a thumb impression has to be made at the end of the section.

Form 5

Form 5 is a monthly report which contains details pertaining to the employees who have been newly enrolled into the provident fund scheme. The form must include the following details:

  • Name of Organization
  • Address of organization
  • Code number of organization
  • Account number of employee
  • Name of employee
  • Name of the husband/father
  • Date of Birth of the employee
  • Date of joining
  • Track record of work

Note: The form must be filed and stamped by the employer, with the date of filing of form.

Form 10

Form 10 is a monthly report that contains details of the employees who have ceased to be a part of the scheme on a given month. The following details must be filled in the form:

  • Account number.
  • Name of employee.
  • Name of the father or husband.
  • Date of leaving service.
  • Reason for leaving service.

Note: The form must be filed and stamped by the employer, with the date of filing of form.

Form 12A

Form 12A is a report that includes the details of the payments contributed to the account of the respective employee in a particular month.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Monthly PF Return Filing Process for Employers.

The purpose of filing PF (Provident Fund) returns is to provide details of employees' contributions to the Employees' Provident Fund and Employees' Family Pension schemes on a monthly basis. This ensures that employees' retirement savings are properly accounted for and managed.
Form 2 is a form that must be filed by an employee when they join an organization. It serves as a declaration and nomination under the Employees' Provident Fund and Employees' Family Pension schemes. The form must be submitted along with Form 5.
Part A of Form 2 deals with nominating the recipients of the employee's EPF balance in the event of their death. It requires details such as the nominee's name, address, relationship with the subscriber, age, the sum of money to be paid, and guardian details if the nominee is a minor.
Form 5 is a monthly report that contains details of employees who have been newly enrolled into the provident fund scheme. It includes information such as the organization's name and address, employee's name, date of birth, date of joining, and work history.
Form 10 should be filed on a monthly basis. It contains details of employees who have ceased to be a part of the provident fund scheme during that particular month.
Form 10 requires the following information for employees who have left the organization: account number, name, father's or husband's name, date of leaving service, and reason for leaving service.
Form 12A is a report that includes the details of the payments contributed to the account of each respective employee in a particular month.
All employers having PF registration are responsible for filing PF returns on a monthly basis.
The filing of PF returns must be completed by the 15th of each month.
Employers can now easily file PF returns through the Unified Portal, which streamlines the process of submitting the required forms and reports.