In a major compliance development, the Employees’ Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) has introduced a new directive under the EPFO Form 5A Compliance 2025 initiative, requiring all establishments covered under the EPF & MP Act, 1952 to publicly display Form 5A — both within their office premises and on their official website.
This instruction, specified in Circular No. Compliance/U/P78/2022/Advocacy/55643/13179 dated 07 October 2025, aims to bring greater transparency, ensure regulatory visibility, and simplify field inspections for EPFO officials.
Organizations must comply within 15 days, i.e., by 22 October 2025, failing which they may face inspection-related or legal repercussions.
For CXOs, HR Heads, Directors, and Founders across India’s key metros—Mumbai, Delhi NCR, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Pune, and Kolkata—this marks a crucial compliance checkpoint that demands immediate action.
What Is Form 5A?
Form 5A, officially titled “Return of Ownership”, is a vital EPFO document generated when an establishment registers for Provident Fund coverage.
It captures essential details such as:
1.Registered name and address of the establishment
2.Ownership and management structure
3.Branch information and locations
4.Date of EPF coverage
5.Jurisdiction of the concerned EPFO regional office
This form acts as the official verification of an employer’s PF registration and is now required to be clearly displayed at the workplace and online for transparency and employee reference.
Mandatory Display Requirements
Each establishment covered under the EPF & MP Act must now ensure:
🏢 Physical Display: A printed extract of Form 5A must be placed prominently at the main entrance, reception area, or notice board of the establishment.
🌐 Digital Display: The same extract must be uploaded on the company’s official website and mobile application (if available).
The displayed Form 5A extract should clearly mention:
1.Establishment’s EPF Code
2.Registered name of the organization
3.Date of EPF coverage
4.Number of branches and primary branch address
5.Regional EPFO office details
🗓 Deadline for Compliance: 22 October 2025
Why This Update Matters
This circular is not merely procedural—it represents a strong push towards corporate accountability and employee empowerment.
By enforcing the public display of Form 5A, the EPFO aims to:
✅ Enable employees to independently verify their organization’s PF registration
⚙️ Support faster and smoother inspections by field officers
🔍 Promote transparency and fair practices in employer–employee relations
For business leaders, it’s an opportunity to show proactive compliance, strengthen trust, and reinforce ethical governance.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
Failure to comply within the stipulated deadline may lead to:
⚖️ Legal action under the EPF & MP Act, 1952
🧾 Inspection notices or show-cause communications from EPFO regional offices
📉 Reputational damage during audits, employee grievances, or vendor assessments
It is, therefore, imperative for every employer to treat this directive as a time-sensitive statutory obligation.
Step-by-Step Guide to Download Form 5A
To comply with the EPFO directive, follow these simple steps:
1.Visit the EPFO Employer Portal
2.Log in using your Establishment ID and Password
3.Navigate to:
Establishment → Form 5A / Ownership Details
4.Click on “View / Print Form 5A”
5.Verify details such as EPF code, address, responsible persons, and branch data
6.Download or print the PDF version
7.Display it at the workplace entrance or reception area
8.Upload the same file on your company website or mobile app
9.Capture a photo of the displayed copy and store it digitally for audit reference
10.Share the proof with your internal audit or compliance partner
Best Practices for HR & Compliance Teams
To ensure ongoing compliance, HR and payroll administrators should:
1.Regularly review and update ownership and branch details on the EPFO portal
2.Maintain a digital repository of Form 5A and proof of display
3.Communicate the directive to all departments and vendors
4.Integrate this task into the monthly compliance tracker or audit checklist
5.Partner with a trusted compliance service provider for timely updates and support
💡 Tip: Document every compliance step, including screenshots, display photos, and portal updates. This helps demonstrate proactive adherence during inspections.
Conclusion
The EPFO’s mandate for public display of Form 5A is more than a regulatory formality—it’s a clear signal toward transparency, accountability, and employee welfare.
Organizations that act swiftly not only avoid penalties but also enhance their credibility as compliant and employee-centric employers.
For leadership teams, this directive presents a chance to reaffirm commitment to good governance and create a culture of compliance across every level.
If your organization needs expert assistance in EPF, ESI, or statutory compliance management, partner with Savi3HR — your trusted compliance ally.
👉 Visit www.savi3hr.in to connect with our experts and simplify your compliance process today.
