EPFO members planning a provident fund withdrawal after April 1, 2026, must check one change before filing a claim. Forms 15G and 15H, used for years to stop unnecessary TDS, have been replaced by one self-declaration, Form 121. The change comes through EPFO’s circular on the transition to Form 121. For employees with less than five years of service, this form can decide whether money reaches the bank in full or after a tax cut.
What Changed In EPFO Form 121?
Form 121 is now the consolidated declaration for TDS-exempt income. Earlier, eligible individuals below 60 used Form 15G, while senior citizens used Form 15H. From Tax Year 2026-27, the new form brings both into one format. EPFO’s circular says Form 121 is meant for self-declaration where no tax should be deducted on specified income.
The form asks for more details than old declarations. Members may need PAN, estimated income, tax year details, and acknowledgement data of income tax returns filed in the previous two years. So, viral posts saying “PF is now tax-free” are misleading. Form 121 does not remove tax rules. It only helps eligible members stop TDS when their final tax liability is nil.
Who Can Withdraw PF Without TDS?
TDS usually becomes a concern when an employee withdraws EPF before completing five years of continuous service and the taxable withdrawal crosses the applicable limit. EPFO’s older TDS guide lists cases where TDS is not deducted, including PF transfer, withdrawal after five years, ill health, business closure, project completion, or causes beyond the employee’s control.
Form 121 helps when TDS may otherwise apply, but the member’s total income is below the taxable limit. A wrong declaration can create tax trouble later, so use it only after checking income and tax regime choice.
How To Submit Form 121 For PF Withdrawal
Log in to the EPFO Member e-Sewa portal with UAN, password, and OTP. Check that Aadhaar, PAN, bank account, and mobile number are verified. Choose the online claim option, select the correct PF withdrawal form, and fill the claim details. If the TDS declaration field appears, submit Form 121 as asked.
Keep the form details consistent with PAN and ITR records. After submission, track the claim status on the portal or UMANG app. EPFO warns members to use only official portals and never share UAN, password, Aadhaar, PAN, bank details, or OTP.
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What Employees Should Check Before Claiming
Before withdrawing PF, compare three options: transfer the balance, partial withdrawal, or full settlement. If a new job has started, transfer is usually cleaner. If the claim is urgent, calculate tax impact first. Form 121 can protect cash flow, but only when income facts support the declaration.
FAQs
Is Form 121 mandatory for every PF withdrawal?
No. It is needed mainly when TDS may apply and your tax liability is nil.
Did Form 121 replace Form 15G and Form 15H?
Yes. From April 1, 2026, Form 121 replaces both for eligible TDS-exemption declarations.
Can senior citizens use Form 121 for PF withdrawal?
Yes. Senior citizens now use Form 121 instead of the earlier Form 15H.
Will PF withdrawal become tax-free after Form 121?
No. The form only prevents TDS when the member legally qualifies for exemption.
Where should members file Form 121?
Members should file it through the EPFO claim process when the portal asks for it.
