Employer Deducting PF But Not Depositing – What Can You Do?

Provided an employee's PF (Provident Fund) dues are getting deducted by the employer every month from the salary but are not getting deposited with EPFO, this amounts to an illegality in the eyes of the law.

Since this money is your right — for the purpose of your retirement and emergency savings — it is incumbent upon the employer, by law, to deposit their share as well as your share into your PF account regularly.

✅ What You Can Do:

• Check Your PF Passbook online at: https://www.epfindia.gov.in (Use UAN login → “View Passbook”)
• Keep Salary Slips as proof of deduction.
• File a complaint:
  • Online at: EPFO Grievance Portal.
  • Or email it to the Regional EPFO office.
• Raise the issue with HR/management politely in writing and provide evidence.
• Petition Labour Commissioner if nothing is done.
• File an RTI with EPFO to find out the exact deposit status.
• Take legal action under the Code on Social Security, 2020, or consult a lawyer if the need arises.

⚠️ Consequences for Employer:

• Penal action
• Interest + fine
• Prison in case of extremes

FAQs – PF Deducted but Not Deposited by Employer

1. Where is this money going, as reflected in my salary slip with PF deduction?

If this is not showing in your PF passbook, that means your employer may not be depositing it. And that is illegal.

2. How can I know if my PF has actually been deposited?

Log on to https://www.epfindia.gov.in, log in your UAN and check your passbook.

3. UAN is what it stands for. Why do I require it?

UAN (Universal Account Number) is your own PF account ID and is required to check your PF balance and transaction history.

4. What if the company tells me that PF is deposited but is not showing it online?

Request the EPF challan copy. Refusal to provide such a document should give you legitimate grounds to complain to EPFO.

5. Is it legal for employers to deduct PF and not remit it?

No. It is an offence punishable under the Employees' Provident Funds and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952, now under the Social Security Code, 2020.

6. Should I complain even if I worked for just 6 months there?

Yes. One month is enough. Their PF should be deposited in case it was deducted.

7. Is it possible for me to lose the real PF money for life?

That won't happen if you take action right away. The EPFO can help recover your money if you make a complaint.

8. Where do I file complaints?

Use EPFO Grievance Portal: https://epfigms.gov.in

9. Can I send a complaint directly to EPFO via my mobile?

Yes. You can file a complaint online via your phone browser too.

10. Will action be taken by EPFO once I file a complaint?

Yes. EPFO will then conduct an inquiry and require the employer to clarify or make the deposit.

11. What will be the punishment that the employers undergo?

Fine, Interest on unpaid amount, Jail (up to 3 years in serious cases)

12. Can I raise the issue with the Labour Commissioner?

You can file a local Labour Department complaint in case of the EPFO's delayed action.

13. Can I also withdraw my PF, even if the employer did not deposit it for some months?

You can only withdraw what has been deposited. Missing months will not show up.

14. Which documents will I need to prove PF fraud?

Salary slips, Appointment letter, Bank statement of deduction made, UAN & PF account details

15. Can I really go to court to get this matter legal?

Yes, you can file a civil case or a labour complaint for recovery.

16. What if I left the company and found it later?

You can still file a complaint; there is no expiry time limit for reporting PF fraud.

17. Am I eligible to receive interest on late deposits with respect to the PF?

Yes, EPFO has this provision to issue direction to the employer for interest along with the amount delayed.

18. Are employers allowed to postpone PF payments?

No, PF should be deposited by the employer within 15 days of the subsequent month.

19. What if the company shuts up or disappears?

File a complaint. EPFO has powers to recover dues and take penal action.

20. Can I get help from a lawyer?

Yes. If everything fails, consult a labour lawyer or legal aid service.