Form 15G for PF Withdrawal in 2026: Complete Guide to Avoid TDS on EPF Withdrawal
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Form 15G for PF Withdrawal 2026: Eligibility, Benefits, TDS Rules & How to Fill
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Learn everything about Form 15G for PF withdrawal in 2026. Check eligibility, TDS rules, tax-saving benefits, how to fill Form 15G, common mistakes, and EPFO withdrawal guidelines.
Form 15G for PF Withdrawal: The Complete Guide for EPF Members
Many employees are surprised when they discover that Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) has been deducted from their PF withdrawal amount. Fortunately, eligible EPF members can avoid unnecessary TDS by submitting Form 15G.
If you are planning to withdraw your PF balance before completing five years of continuous service, understanding Form 15G can help you save money and avoid tax-related complications.
This guide explains everything you need to know about Form 15G for PF withdrawal, including eligibility, TDS rules, filing process, common mistakes, and recent updates.
What is Form 15G?
Form 15G is a self-declaration form submitted under Section 197A of the Income Tax Act. It allows eligible individuals to declare that their total taxable income for the financial year is below the basic exemption limit and therefore no TDS should be deducted.
For EPF members, Form 15G is mainly used when withdrawing PF before completing five years of continuous service.
Why is Form 15G Important for PF Withdrawal?
When certain conditions are met, EPFO deducts TDS from PF withdrawals.
Submitting Form 15G helps eligible members avoid this deduction and receive a higher payout amount.
Benefits of Form 15G
- Prevents unnecessary TDS deduction
- Improves immediate cash flow
- Reduces tax refund complications
- Simplifies PF withdrawal process
- Useful for unemployed individuals with low income
When Does EPFO Deduct TDS on PF Withdrawal?
TDS is generally applicable when:
Condition 1
Continuous service is less than 5 years.
Condition 2
PF withdrawal amount exceeds ₹50,000.
If both conditions are satisfied, TDS may be deducted.
When is TDS NOT Applicable?
TDS is generally not deducted when:
- Continuous service exceeds 5 years
- PF withdrawal is below ₹50,000
- PF transfer has been carried forward across employers and total service exceeds 5 years
- Eligible declaration through Form 15G is submitted and income conditions are satisfied
Who Can Submit Form 15G?
You can submit Form 15G if:
Eligible Applicants
- Resident Indian Individual
- Age below 60 years
- Total taxable income below the basic exemption limit
- Tax liability for the financial year is NIL
Not Eligible
- Non-Resident Indians (NRIs)
- Individuals above 60 years (they traditionally used Form 15H)
- Individuals with taxable income above the exemption limit
Form 15G vs Form 15H
| Feature | Form 15G | Form 15H |
|---|---|---|
| Age | Below 60 Years | 60 Years & Above |
| Tax Liability | Nil | Nil |
| Resident Status | Resident Indian | Resident Indian |
| PF Withdrawal Use | Yes | Yes |
Important 2026 Update: Form 121 Replaces Form 15G and Form 15H
From April 2026, the government introduced Form 121, which combines the functions of Form 15G and Form 15H into a single form for TDS exemption declarations. EPF members should check the latest EPFO instructions while filing claims.
How to Fill Form 15G for PF Withdrawal
Step 1: Download Form
Obtain Form 15G from:
- EPFO Portal
- Income Tax Portal
- Authorized financial websites
Step 2: Enter Personal Information
Fill:
- Name
- PAN Number
- Address
- Mobile Number
- Email ID
Step 3: Mention Previous Year
Enter the relevant financial year for which the declaration is being submitted.
Step 4: Declare Estimated Income
Mention:
- Expected annual income
- PF withdrawal amount
- Other income sources
Step 5: Sign the Declaration
Verify all information before signing.
Incorrect declarations may attract penalties under income tax provisions.
Documents Required for Form 15G Submission
Keep these documents ready:
- PAN Card
- Aadhaar Card
- UAN Number
- PF Account Details
- Bank Account Information
- PF Withdrawal Claim Details
How to Upload Form 15G During PF Withdrawal
Online Process
- Login to UAN Member Portal.
- Select Online Services.
- Choose Claim (Form 19).
- Upload Form 15G where applicable.
- Verify details.
- Submit claim.
Common Mistakes While Filing Form 15G
1. Wrong PAN Number
PAN mismatch can lead to rejection.
2. Incorrect Assessment Year
Many applicants incorrectly mention the assessment year while filling the declaration.
3. Incorrect Income Declaration
Declaring income below the exemption limit when actual income exceeds it may create tax issues.
4. Unsigned Form
Unsigned forms are invalid.
5. Missing PF Details
Incomplete claim information may delay processing.
What Happens if You Don’t Submit Form 15G?
If eligible but not submitted:
With PAN Linked
TDS may be deducted at 10%.
Without PAN
Higher TDS rates may apply.
Although the amount can later be claimed through Income Tax Return (ITR), it increases paperwork and refund waiting time.
PF Transfer vs PF Withdrawal: Which is Better?
Many employees withdraw PF whenever they change jobs.
This is often a mistake.
Benefits of PF Transfer
- Maintains continuous service history
- Helps qualify for tax-free withdrawal after 5 years
- Increases retirement savings
- Avoids unnecessary TDS issues
Industry experts and employee experiences consistently highlight that PF transfer is often more beneficial than repeated withdrawals.
How EPFWala Helps Employees
EPFWala provides professional assistance for:
- PF Withdrawal
- Form 15G Guidance
- UAN Activation
- KYC Correction
- PF Transfer
- Claim Rejection Resolution
- Pension and EPS Support
Contact EPFWala
📞 7757028001
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Form 15G mandatory for PF withdrawal?
No. It is required only for eligible members who wish to avoid TDS deduction.
Can I submit Form 15G if my income exceeds the taxable limit?
No. The declaration is valid only when your tax liability is NIL.
Is Form 15G required after 5 years of service?
Generally, no. PF withdrawal after 5 years of continuous service is usually tax-free.
Can I claim back deducted TDS?
Yes. You can claim the deducted TDS while filing your Income Tax Return if eligible.
What is Form 121?
Form 121 is the new consolidated declaration form introduced in 2026 to replace Form 15G and Form 15H for eligible taxpayers.
Conclusion
Form 15G plays an important role in helping eligible EPF members avoid unnecessary TDS on PF withdrawals. Before submitting your PF claim, verify your service period, PAN details, and income eligibility. If your total income is below the taxable limit, submitting the correct declaration can help you receive the full PF amount without deductions. With the introduction of Form 121 in 2026, employees should also stay updated with the latest EPFO compliance requirements to ensure smooth claim processing.