Display of Extract of Form 5A as per EPFO Directive dated 6th/7th October 2025

The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has issued an order dated 7th October 2025, instructing all establishments covered under the Employees’ Provident Funds & Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952 to prominently display an extract of Form 5A vide Ref. No.Compliance/U/P78/2022/Advocacy/55643/13178/dated 6th/7th October 2025.

Central Government is vested with power to issue directions to State Governments, the Central Board of Trustees of EPF and any authority. This directive has been issued by Chief Provident Fund Commissioner under Para 78(3) of the Employees’ Provident Funds Scheme, 1952, following instructions from the Central Government under Section 78(1).

Key Compliance Requirement

All covered establishments are required to display the extract of Form 5A in one or both of the following ways:

Physically: At the main entrance of the establishment, OR

Digitally: On the official website and/or mobile application of the establishment.

About Form 5A

Form 5A, officially titled "Return of Ownership”, is a statutory document required by the Employees' Provident Funds & Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952, and the Employees' Provident Funds Scheme, 1952 to be submitted by the employer to register and provide detailed particulars of the establishment's ownership, branches, and the individuals responsible for the conduct of the business and compliance under the EPF Act.

Key Information: It captures vital data, including the establishment's name, postal address, date of setup, industry, ownership type (Proprietor, Partner, Director, etc.), and details of the person in charge of and responsible for the PF compliance.

Mandatory Filing: Filing Form 5A is mandatory for establishments covered under the EPF Act. It is now submitted online through the EPFO's employer portal.

When to File Form 5A

Form 5A is a return of ownership and is generally filed in two scenarios:

1. At the Time of Initial Coverage/Registration

First-Time Filing: Form 5A is typically submitted to the EPFO for the first time when an establishment is newly covered under the EPF Scheme and is allotted an EPF Code Number.

2. Upon Change in Particulars

Update Requirement: The form must be updated and re-filed whenever there is a change in the critical information furnished to the EPFO.

Filing Deadline for Changes: Any modification in the information provided in the original Form 5A (such as change in ownership, partners, directors, address, bank account details, or contact information) must be formally intimated to the Regional P.F. Commissioner in writing within 15 days of such change.

The Present Order: Information to be Displayed (Extract of Form 5A)

The displayed extract must include the following details:

1. EPF Code
2. Registered Name of the Establishment
3. Date of Coverage under EPF
4. Number of Branches and Primary Branch Address
5. Name of the Regional Office

Action Required from HR, Admin, and IT Teams

1. HR Team:

· Verify the required details from the official Form 5A.

· Prepare the display content with accurate information.

· Coordinate with Admin/IT teams to ensure timely implementation.

2. Admin/Facilities Team:

· Arrange for a clear and visible display of the extract at the establishment’s main entrance.

3. IT Team:

· Upload the same extract on the company’s website and mobile app, if applicable.

Timeline for Compliance with the Above Cited Order dated 6th/7th October 2025

· All actions to display the extract of Form 5A physically and digitally as mentioned above must be completed within 15 days from the date of the EPFO order (i.e., by 21st–22nd October 2025).

Consequences of Non-Compliance

· Failure to comply with these directions may attract legal action under the EPF & MP Act, 1952 and the schemes framed thereunder.

Action To Be taken By HR Professionals

· This is a time-bound statutory requirement. Please ensure strict compliance to avoid any legal issues and to demonstrate adherence to EPFO guidelines.