Sept 2026 provident fund contributions: Deadline extended, employers can file returns till Oct 31

“The revision required establishments to make corresponding changes to their payroll systems, pay bills, employee-wise contribution calculations and statutory compliance records, making it difficult for some employers to complete the filing and payment process within the original deadline,” an official of the labour ministry said.

The EPFO said the extension was intended to provide establishments reasonable time to complete the necessary payroll revisions and resolve technical and operational difficulties while ensuring compliance with statutory requirements under the Code on Social Security, 2020, and the schemes framed under it.

However, the organisation clarified that the extension was limited exclusively to the filing of ECR and remittance of statutory contributions for September 2026. 

“It would not constitute a general extension of statutory deadlines for any other wage month or waive any other obligation under the Act or the relevant schemes,” the ministry said.

The EPFO has also advised its field offices to inform establishments under their respective jurisdictions about the extension and facilitate compliance.