How to Close a PF Account Permanently?

Provident Fund (PF) refers to a government-run retirement savings fund, which is accumulated through compulsory investment by your as well as your employer. It allows long-term growth, but, under special conditions, the account may be permanently closed and the full balance can be withdrawn.

17,132 Views | Updated on: Sep 08, 2025

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Is it Possible to Permanently Close Your PF Account Online?

Definitely your PF (Provident Fund) can be closed online but the process is not one-size-fits-all. Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has simplified most of its processes via digital platforms, making the process convenient. Prior to knowing how to close EPF account, we shall take you through the two main categories of cases where permanent PF account can be closed:

Retirement or Changing Jobs

When you reach 58 years of age or are near retirement, you can withdraw your full EPF corpus. After you are through with the withdrawal process and have received all your accumulated amount (including your contributions, employer contributions, and accrued interest) your PF account is closed permanently. This process can be done either via the portal of EPFO or via the UAN (Universal Account Number) dashboard online. You will be required to fill out Form 19 and attach supporting documents such as your PAN card, Aadhaar, and bank account information.

Employee’s Death

Upon the death of an employee, the entire balance in the PF may be claimed by the nominee (legal heir in the absence of a nominee). The nominee must provide Form 20 with supporting documents including death certificate, identity of the nominee, and bank account details.

The EPFO provides an assurance that the family gets not only the amount of the accumulated PF but also the Employee Pension Scheme (EPS) benefits and the amount of the Employee Deposit Linked Insurance (EDLI). After processing these settlements and payment of such funds, the PF account of the deceased employee will be permanently closed.

Terms and Conditions for EPF Account Closure Online

If you are looking how to close PF account and withdraw money because you are changing jobs, there are some important rules to follow. Here is a quick rundown before knowing how to close PF account:

Service Period Of 10 Years

If you are between 50 and 58 years old and have worked for the same company for 10 years or more, you can claim an early withdrawal. You will need to fill out Form 10D and the Composite Claim Form.

Service Period Over 10 Years

If you have been with your company for over 10 years but are under 58, you cannot withdraw your EPS (Employee Pension Scheme) amount just yet. You’ll only be able to access your pension after you retire.

Service Period Less Than 10 Years

If you have worked with a company for less than 10 years, you can claim both your PF and EPS amounts. Just fill out the Composite Claim Form and choose the “Final PF Balance” option.

Age 58 And Above

If you are 58 or older, you can withdraw your entire EPF amount and also claim your EPS by submitting Form 10D

How to Make Final EPF Withdrawal?

If you are looking to settle your EPF account, you have two options: online or offline. Here are simple steps for both methods:

Online PF Withdrawal

The steps for withdrawing PF online are as follows:

Visit the EPFO Website Start by going to the official EPFO website.
Access the Member UAN Service: Click on “Member UAN/Online Service (OCS/OTCP).”
Log In: Enter your UAN (Universal Account Number) and password. Complete the captcha and hit “Sign in.”
Claim Your PF: Go to “Online Services” and choose “Claim (Form-31, 19, 10D & 10C).”
Fill Out the Form: Enter the necessary details and hit “Verify.”
Sign the Certificate: Click “Yes” to sign the “Certificate of Undertaking.”
Choose Withdrawal Type: Select “Only PF withdrawal (Form 19)” from the drop-down menu.
Provide Your Address: Enter your address, review the disclaimer, and choose “Get Aadhaar OTP.” You will receive an OTP on your linked mobile number—enter it to submit your application.
Get a Reference Number: After submitting, you’ll get a reference number. Keep this for future tracking.

If everything’s done correctly, the full PF amount will be transferred to your bank account and linked to your UAN.

Offline PF Withdrawal

The steps for withdrawing PF offline are as follows:

Download the Form: Go to the EPFO website and download the Composite Claim form.
Fill Out: Complete the form and submit it to your local EPFO office.
Aadhaar Form: You do not need your employer’s attestation for the Aadhaar Composite Claim form.
Non-Aadhaar Form: You will need your employer’s attestation if you are using a non-Aadhaar form.

Documents Required for EPF Withdrawal

To know how to close PF account online, here is what you will need:

EPF Close Account Form
Bank Account Details
A blank, canceled cheque with your account number and IFSC code visible
Identity Proof
Address Proof

You will not need any extra documents beyond these if you are going the online route for your EPF withdrawal. Just make sure to upload a clear scanned copy of your passbook to the EPFO portal, ensuring all the bank details are clearly visible on the document.

Final Thoughts

It may seem daunting to close your PF account permanently, but with guidance and proper direction it can be done conveniently. It is also important to remember that the most important actions to take when closing a PF are keeping your KYC details up to date, filling in your claim form, and monitoring the progress of your application.

Regardless of whether you are doing it online or with your employer, these steps will make it a hassle-free process. After understanding how to close PF account, it is time to proceed with your financial planning and put together some trustworthy retirement and pension plans and finalize your retirement planning.

FAQs on How to Close a PF Account

How do I apply for PF account closure online?

To apply for PF closure online, log into the EPFO Member Portal with your UAN and password, under the Online Services section, check ‘Claim (Form-31, 19 & 10C),’ and complete all the formalities to claim final settlement.

What documents are required to close a PF account?

You need the EPF Close Account Form, bank account details, a blank canceled cheque with the account number and IFSC code visible, identity proof, and address proof.

How long does it take to process a PF account closure request?

Typically, it takes about 15-30 days to process a PF account closure request, depending on the completeness of your documents and verification by your employer.

Can I close my PF account if I am still employed?

No, in general, you cannot get a PF account close when still working. You are instead supposed to roll-over the balance to a PF account with your new employer in case you switch jobs.

What happens to the balance in my PF account after it is closed?

Once your PF account is closed, the balance is transferred to your bank account. Make sure all your bank details are correct and up-to-date.

Are there any tax implications for closing a PF account?

Prior to the completion of the five years of uninterrupted service, your PF account balance may be subject to taxation. But if you close and withdraw your amount after a period of five years, then, it is normally free of tax.