ASK THE EXPERT

Q. I will be retiring from my private service on 31st March 2026. I have accumulated more than Rs. 2 Crores in my EPF Account on which I am earning tax free interest. Can I continue to contribute to my PF Account even after retirement? Can I withdraw my PF balance in monthly installments? Please guide me. G R Ahuja, Gurgaon

- By: Anil Chopra Group CEO- Wealth & Retirement, Bajaj Capital Ltd.

Ans. Dear Mr. Ahuja, I am afraid you cannot continue to contribute to your EPF account after your retirement on 31st March 2026. In fact, employees cannot contribute any amount directly in their PF Account. All contributions whether voluntary or statutory have to be made by employers only.

Please note that whatever interest you will earn on your PF balance till 31st March 2026 will be tax free. You can continue to maintain your PF balance for a maximum period of 3 years from the date of retirement i.e. till 31st March 2029. However, whatever interest your PF account will earn after 1st April 2026 will be taxable and EPFO will also deduct TDS @ 10% before crediting the interest amount to your PF Balance. You may make complete or partial withdrawal any time after 31st March 2026. However, if you do not withdraw your entire PF balance by 31st March 2029, your PF Account will not earn any interest after that date.

We suggest you withdraw 100% balance immediately after your retirement and invest the same in a Mutual Fund portfolio with a SWP (Systematic Withdrawal Option) for better tax efficient returns and improved liquidity. For any help please visit our office in Sec-15 in Gurgaon. Complete address and contact details are given in the last few pages of this magazine.