The Employees’ Provident Fund requires that both the employee and employer contribute equal amounts to a retirement fund for employees.

However, one of the common problems that arise is a complete lack of awareness of a PF number on the employees' part. Is this such a big deal? Yes, it is!

Hence, this article will clarify how to find your PF account number with your PAN card and through other means.

The PF Number, also known as the Provident Fund Number, is a unique identification number assigned to an individual's Provident Fund (PF) account. It serves as a reference for tracking and managing contributions made towards the employee's retirement savings. 

This number is crucial for employers and employees to ensure accurate record-keeping and monitoring of PF contributions. Additionally, the PF number remains the same throughout an individual's career, even if they switch jobs, facilitating seamless transfer and withdrawal of PF funds.

The reason to initiate a PF number search is that it is crucial under several circumstances, including the following:

• The UAN is easily found with the PF number.

• You will need this number to withdraw from your EPF account.

• Transferring accounts from the previous member ID to any future one is only possible with a PF number. Remember, a PF number changes from one place of employment to another, but the UAN stays the same.

• Lastly, a PF number is necessary to check the balance and status.

Therefore, it should be no surprise that an individual would need to search for a PF number if they misplace it.

The EPF Account Number comprises 22 alphanumeric identifiers containing vital information about the employee's EPF account activities and the organisation's code. Here's a breakdown of the typical sample format of PF number and the information it encompasses:

PF Number Sample: TN MAS 0054110 000 0054321

• TN: The first two alphabets denote the state where the EPF account is registered. Here, ‘TN’ is for Tamil Nadu.

• MAS: The subsequent three letters ‘MAS’ indicate the regional office code.

• 0054110: The following seven numbers represent a unique identification code assigned to the establishment or organisation.

• 000: The succeeding three numbers denote the extension code associated with the same establishment ID.

• 0054321: The final seven numbers constitute the employee-specific EPF account number.

A Provident Fund (PF) number is a unique identifier associated with your PF account, essential for accessing various benefits and services related to your employment. Here are several methods to help you locate your PF number:

By Company Name

To find your PF number by company name, start by entering your company name on the EPFO portal. Next, input the Captcha code and press the search button. You will see various branches of your firm listed; select the branch where you work to locate the company code. 

Finally, try contacting former colleagues who joined around the same time as you or after you to obtain your PF number.

By Phone Number

If your phone number was linked to the PF account, you would get regular updates whenever a contribution is made. In addition, your PF and UAN accounts should be available via SMS alert.

By PAN Number

If you’re wondering how to find a PF number using your PAN card, your PAN card must be linked to the PF account.

Step 1: Visit the EPF portal to learn how to find a PF number using a PAN card.

Step 2: Next, enter PAN details, name, DOB, mobile number, and Captcha code.

Step 3: Consequently, click on the Get Authorisation PIN button.

Step 4: Then, click on 'I Agree' and enter the OTP you should have received in your registered email.

Step 5: Finally, click 'Validate OTP and Get UAN.'

By UAN Number

The third way to resolve the query regarding how to find and know your EPF number would be to check and see if you have your UAN. You can easily find your PF number with your UAN.

Thus, you can visit the official website and log in using UAN and password.

Through Umang App

The UMANG (Unified Mobile Application for New-age Governance) app provides a convenient platform for accessing government services, including EPF-related information. You can log in to the app using your UAN to retrieve your PF Number.

Consult the HR Department

If you are still wondering how to find your PF number, the next stop should be the HR department. This department is responsible for assigning a PF number to every employee at the time of onboarding. Hence, they should be able to help you find an answer to "how to know your PF account number.”

Check Salary Slip

The answer to "how to know my PF number" could be as simple as checking your salary slip. Employers generally print the PF number, and the contribution they made to it in your monthly salary slip.

Contact or Visit the PF Office

How do you get your PF number when all the other three options fail? As a last resort, you can go to the PF office. You will need to provide all your personal documents and ID proofs to gain the PF number.

In conclusion, locating your PF number is essential for accessing various benefits tied to your employment. By following the steps outlined, you can efficiently retrieve your PF number. Whether through company records, online platforms, or assistance from EPF representatives, the process ensures accuracy and convenience in accessing your Provident Fund details.