EPFO: Only 6 days left; PF returns can be filed until October 31

The EPFO ​​has extended the deadline for filing PF returns for September 2026 from October 15 to October 31. Consequently, companies now have only a limited amount of time left to submit their PF returns.

If you are employed, a portion of your salary is deducted every month as a PF (Provident Fund) contribution, which will help meet your future needs. Given this, any information regarding the PF is as crucial for companies as it is for employees. If your role involves managing employee salaries and PF-related matters, this update is for you.

The EPFO ​​(Employees' Provident Fund Organisation) has extended the deadline for filing the PF return—known as the ECR (Electronic Challan-cum-Return)—for September 2026. The new deadline is October 31, meaning there are now six days remaining to file the PF return.

What information must be provided in the ECR?

Many may be unaware of what information companies are required to submit via the ECR. Through this, companies must provide details regarding PF contributions and employee salaries. This includes a breakdown of wages and contributions under the EPF (Employees' Provident Fund), EPS (Employees' Pension Scheme), and EDLI (Employees' Deposit Linked Insurance) schemes.

What was the previous deadline?

Previously, the deadline for filing PF returns was October 15. With this extension, employers now have additional time to submit their returns. This raises an important question: why was the deadline for filing PF returns extended?

Why was the deadline extended?

There is a specific reason for extending the deadline to October 31. On September 17, the government introduced changes to the salary threshold that determines the mandatory applicability of the Provident Fund. Previously, the limit was ₹15,000, which the government has now increased to ₹25,000. Since this change was implemented mid-month, companies are required to calculate payroll and Provident Fund (PF) contributions based on two different sets of rules.

For this reason, the EPFO ​​extended the deadline for filing PF returns for September 2026 from October 15 to October 31, providing employers with additional time. However, only six days now remain to file these returns.

What happens if the deadline is missed?

Although companies have already been granted extra time, if a company fails to file its September PF returns even by the extended deadline of October 31, 2026, it may face punitive action.

A delay in depositing PF contributions can attract an annual interest rate of 12% under Section 7Q of the EPF Act.
Additionally, under Section 14B, a penalty may be imposed on the outstanding amount, calculated based on the duration of the delay.
Furthermore, if PF returns are not filed intentionally, the company could face formal legal action.