PF Withdrawal Rules: Know Service Period, 75% Job-Loss Limit, and Tax Impact

• Full EPF balance can be withdrawn at retirement (age 58) or after two months of unemployment.
• If unemployed for one month, up to 75% of EPF balance can be withdrawn; the remaining 25% after another month of unemployment.
• Withdrawals before five years of continuous service are taxable; after five years, they are generally tax-free.
• Employees' Pension Scheme (EPS) has separate rules: lump sum withdrawal is not possible if contributed for 10+ years; pension is eligible at 58.
• Transferring PF is often better than withdrawing to preserve compounding benefits and long-term retirement planning.

Why It Matters: Understand PF withdrawal rules, tax implications, and the difference between EPF and EPS before making a decision.