EPFO Scheme Deadline December 28, Missed EPF Payments? Here’s Who Can Get Lower Penalties

Mumbai: The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has extended the Vishwas 2026 scheme until December 28, 2026, allowing eligible businesses to settle disputes regarding past penalties for late EPF contributions. The deadline will not be prolonged. Settling through the online process is available for qualifying employers.

Vishwas 2026 is a special one-time scheme designed to handle specific situations where EPF contributions were deposited late. This program enables qualifying establishments to pay lower fees compared to standard regulations, provided certain conditions are met.

The amount of fines depends on how late the EPF contributions were made. Contributions delayed by up to two months incur a fee of 0.25% per month. If delayed between two and four months, the fee rises to 0.50% per month. Delays beyond four months result in a 1% per month charge.

Eligibility applies to cases where EPF contribution payments were late before June 14, 2024, and the relevant legal proceedings remain unresolved in courts or tribunals. Cases where EPFO has issued a damages order but full or partial recovery is still pending could also qualify. Employers who have been notified of proposed damages but no final order has been made may also be eligible. Additionally, situations where EPFO records indicate late EPF payments without an initial damages notice may be covered.

To apply, employers must first pay off any remaining interest on the delayed EPF contributions. Once this is completed, they can enter the Vishwas 2026 module on EPFO’s employer portal. They will select the appropriate category, upload necessary documents, and complete digital authentication. The system will then automatically determine the applicable damages under the scheme.