A portion of every employee’s monthly salary is deposited into their Provident Fund (PF) account, which is managed by the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO). Each employee is issued a Unique Account Number (UAN) to consolidate all PF accounts linked to different employers. However, some employees end up with more than one UAN, which can create several complications.
Problems Caused by Multiple UANs
1. PF Contributions Are Split – If you have multiple UANs, your PF contributions get scattered across different accounts, reducing the convenience of tracking your total balance.
2. Difficulty in Claiming PF – When you leave a job or try to withdraw your PF, multiple UANs can lead to delays, rejected claims, or errors during processing.
3. Impact on Tax Benefits – Inconsistent UAN records can affect your tax filings, as contributions linked to multiple accounts may not reflect correctly in Form 26AS.
4. Complicated Transfer Between Jobs – Employees changing jobs may face issues transferring PF balances to a new account if multiple UANs exist.
How to Fix the Issue
1. Identify Duplicate UANs – Log in to the EPFO portal or check your payslips to find out if multiple UANs exist.
2. Contact Your Employer or EPFO – Notify your current or previous employer and submit a request to merge multiple UANs into a single active account.
3. Verify KYC Details – Ensure that your Aadhaar, PAN, and bank details are updated for the active UAN to avoid claim issues.
4. Track Status Online – Once merged, monitor your EPF account through the EPFO member portal to confirm that all previous contributions are consolidated.
EPFO officials emphasize that merging UANs promptly not only simplifies PF management but also ensures smooth withdrawals, transfers, and proper tax reporting. Employees are encouraged to check their UAN status regularly to avoid unnecessary complications.
Disclaimer:
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency, organization, employer, or company. All information provided is for general informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, reliability, or suitability of the information contained herein. Readers are advised to verify facts and seek professional advice where necessary. Any reliance placed on such information is strictly at the reader’s own risk.
click and follow Indiaherald WhatsApp channel