EPFO retains 8.25% interest rate for 2024-25

Retirement fund body EPFO on Friday decided to retain an interest rate of 8.25 per cent on employees’ provident fund (EPF) deposits for 2024-25, as provided in the previous fiscal, benefitting over seven crore subscribers.

In February 2024, the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) had increased the interest rate on EPF marginally to 8.25 per cent for 2023-24, from 8.15 per cent in 2022-23.

A labour ministry statement said, “The CBT (Central Board of Trustees) recommended 8.25 per cent annual rate of interest to be credited on EPF accumulations in members’ accounts for 2024-25.” The ministry informed that the interest rate would be officially notified by the government, following which EPFO would credit the rate of interest to the subscribers’ accounts.

According to the statement, the decision on interest rate was taken at the 237th meeting of the CBT of the EPFO chaired by the Union Minister for Labour & Employment Mansukh Mandaviya in New Delhi on Friday.

The ministry stated that compared to many other fixed-income instruments, the Employees' Provident Fund (EPF) offers relatively high and stable returns, ensuring steady growth of savings.

The interest earned on EPF deposits is tax-free (up to a specified limit), making it a highly attractive investment option for salaried individuals.