I wish to withdraw my provident fund balance but confused about the taxability as it is not 100% clear what is the definition of 5 years of continuous service. Case:
1. Worked with employer A for 4 years (PF deducted)
2. Break of 4 years (self-employed)
3. Worked with employer B for 9 months (PF account transferred from Employer A to B)
4. Currently working with employer C, who is not registered with PF.
Q1: If I serve another 3 months with a PF-registered employer, will it be considered as '5 continuous years' and hence exempt from tax? I read that if you transfer the balance from one employer to another, it is considered 'continuous'. Since in my case, there is a 4 years' gap in between, will it still be 'continuous'?
Q2: There is a very small chance that I will go into employment with a PF-registered employer in the future (mostly remain an entrepreneur). Is there any other way I can withdraw without being taxed?
CAclubindia
