Missed the EPF return deadline? EPFO gives one-week extension; here’s what employers should know

The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) on Monday extended the deadline for filing EPF returns, or Electronic Challan-cum-Return (ECR), for the wage month of September 2025 by one week to October 22, PTI reported.Employers are normally required to file the ECR by the 15th of every month. The extension comes in view of requests from several employers adapting to the new features of the revamped ECR system, applicable from September 2025, the labour ministry said in a statement.To facilitate a smooth transition, EPFO has launched a series of awareness programmes with employers and industry representatives across the country. At the central level, EPFO officials held meetings with major industry bodies, including the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI), and Employer Federation of India (EFI), to brief them on the procedural reforms and benefits of the revamped ECR system.The new process offers enhanced data accuracy, sequential return validation, and improved compliance facilitation, the statement said.Zonal and regional offices of EPFO are also conducting interactive sessions and workshops to provide on-ground support to employers and ensure timely and error-free filing of returns.The EPFO said it remains committed to providing a seamless digital experience for employers while strengthening transparency and compliance in provident fund administration.