EPFO: Good news for companies managing PF trusts! EPFO ​​to grant major relaxations in rules..

The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) announced on Sunday that establishments operating exempted Provident Fund (PF) trusts are being allowed to regularize their legal status under the 'Amnesty Scheme 2026'. This facility will be available for a few months, starting from June 29, 2026.

This scheme applies to establishments that operate PF trusts recognized under the Income Tax Act, 1961, but lack a formal exemption notification issued by the Central or State Government (as applicable).

Which establishments will benefit?
Establishments wishing to regularize their PF trusts retrospectively—and which have already started complying with regulations as 'un-exempted establishments' or have opted to do so—will also be able to avail the benefits of this scheme.

Additionally, establishments that intend to continue operating as exempted establishments under the Code on Social Security, 2020, can also apply to regularize their trusts retrospectively under the Amnesty Scheme.

A special one-time opportunity
The EPFO ​​stated that the Amnesty Scheme 2026 is a one-time opportunity. Through this, establishments operating PF trusts recognized under the Income Tax Act, 1961, will be able to regularize their legal status.

Under which rules will recognition be granted?
According to the EPFO, recognition under the Income Tax Act will be granted only to those provident funds that have received an exemption under Section 17 of the Employees' Provident Funds and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952.

Under the Amnesty Scheme, such establishments will be granted the benefit of exemption retrospectively under Section 17 and Section 143 of the Code on Social Security, 2020.

What relief will be provided?

Establishments that regularize their status under this scheme will be granted exemptions from conditions regarding the minimum number of employees and the minimum trust corpus (fund) stipulated under the Code on Social Security, 2020.

Furthermore, pending assessments related to PF dues, damages, and interest will be withdrawn, provided that contributions and interest—at rates equal to or higher than the statutory rates—have been deposited into the employees' PF accounts.

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