You must register within 1 month of crossing the employee threshold (20+ employees for most establishments, 10+ for factories). Include all employees—permanent, temporary, part-time, and contract (if they meet employee definition). Exclude directors not drawing salary and genuine independent contractors. Example: If your 20th employee joins on March 15, you must register by April 15. Delay consequences: • Backdated PF contributions from the date you should have registered • 12% interest per annum • Penalties ranging from ₹10,000 to ₹5,00,000 Many Bangalore startups face this issue during investor due diligence—better register immediately.

Average timeline: 10–15 working days after complete document submission. Typical breakdown: • Document prep: 2–3 days • DSC setup: 2–3 days • Filing: 1 day • EPFO processing: 5–10 days • PF code allotment: 1 day • Post-setup: 2–3 days Possible delays: • Incomplete docs: +5–7 days • Address proof issues: +3–5 days • Physical inspection (rare): +7–15 days • Peak season (Mar/Apr/Dec): +3–5 days Fast track possible in 7–10 days if DSC and documents are ready. We complete 90% of cases within 12 days.

Professional fee: ₹10,000–15,000 (one-time). Includes: • Document check • Filing + EPFO follow-up • UAN generation • First ECR filing • Post-registration support Additional costs: • DSC: ₹800–2,000 (if not available) • Notarization (if needed): ₹200–500 EPFO charges ₹0 for registration. Add-on for ESI: • ESI alone: ₹8,000–10,000 • Combined PF+ESI: ₹16,000–22,000 DIY is free but takes 20–30 hours and carries high rejection risk. Professional support saves time and prevents costly errors.

Serious consequences: Financial: • Penalty: ₹10,000 – ₹5,00,000 • Backdated PF: Can reach ₹10–50 lakhs • 12% annual interest Legal & operational: • Criminal prosecution (up to 3 yrs jail in extreme cases) • Investor due-diligence failure • Bank loan rejection • Employee complaints triggering inspection Real example: Bangalore startup, 40 employees, 3 years non-compliant → ₹38 lakh liability + funding delayed by 3 months.

Yes, 100% online via: unified-mem.epfindia.gov.in/memberinterface Process: • Create account • Fill Form 5A • Upload documents • Sign with DSC • Submit & track status • Get PF code online No office visit needed unless EPFO specifically calls for inspection (<5% cases). We handle the entire process online for you.

If offices are in the same state → 1 PF code is enough. If in different states → separate PF codes required. Examples: ✅ Bangalore + Mysore = 1 PF code (Karnataka) ⛔ Bangalore + Hyderabad = 2 PF codes (KA + TS) ⛔ Bangalore + Mumbai + Delhi = 3 PF codes WFH rule (practical approach): • 1–2 employees in other states → usually covered under HQ code • More than 5 permanent employees in another state → consider separate code

UAN (Universal Account Number) is a lifetime 12-digit ID for an employee’s PF account. Key points: • One employee = One UAN forever • Employer must create UAN within 1 month of joining • Employee receives UAN via SMS/Email • Activation required at uan.epfindia.gov.in Benefits: • PF passbook access • Online transfer/withdrawal • Employer change without new PF account We generate UANs within 7 days and assist employees in activation and Aadhaar linking.

Yes, voluntary registration is allowed but comes with conditions: ✅ Good if: • You will soon cross 20 employees • Clients require PF compliance • You want strong employee benefits ⚠ Important: • Once registered, you cannot easily deregister • Monthly filings become mandatory forever Recommendation: Wait until 20 employees unless business needs require early registration.

PF is calculated on “Basic + DA”. If your salary structure is unclear: • EPFO may assume 50% of CTC as Basic (expensive) Optimized compliant structure example: • Basic: 30–40% • HRA: 40–50% • Special Allowance: 10–20% Benefit: Salary ₹50,000 ❌ If no structure → PF may calculate on ₹25,000 (₹3,000 PF) ✅ Structured → PF on ₹15,000 wage ceiling (₹1,800 PF) 💰 Savings: ₹1,200/month per employee We help restructure salaries compliantly to reduce PF burden.

It depends on the employment relationship, not the job label. PF mandatory if: • Fixed hours, company supervision • Uses company’s tools • Paid monthly like employees PF not mandatory if: • Genuine independent contractor • Own tools, project-based, invoices raised Risk: Misclassifying employees as contractors can lead to backdated PF liabilities of ₹10–30 lakhs. We evaluate and help structure correctly to avoid future liability.

Yes, PF and ESI are separate registrations. Eligibility: • PF → 20+ employees (10+ for factories) • ESI → 10+ employees (factory), 20+ others • PF salary cover → < ₹15,000 • ESI salary cover → < ₹21,000 Example: IT company, 30 employees earning ₹40K+ → PF only Manufacturing, 30 employees earning ₹10–20K → PF + ESI Cost: • PF: ₹10–15K • ESI: ₹8–10K • Combined: ₹16–22K (best value)

Late penalties include: • Fine: ₹10,000 to ₹5,00,000 • Backdated PF contributions • 12% interest per annum • Possible prosecution in extreme cases Example: 2-year delay, 30 employees: • Back PF: ₹12,00,000 • Interest: ₹1,40,000 • Penalty: ₹1.5–3L Total: ₹14.9–16.4L Good news: Voluntary compliance can reduce penalties by 60–70%. We have reduced ₹15L penalties to ₹2L for clients through proper case representation.

Bhavishya Nidhi Bhawan, Opposite Begumpet Railway Station, Brahmanwadi, Begumpet Hyderabad,Telangana-500016