New Delhi | December 26, 2025 | If you are a salaried employee and have changed jobs multiple times, this is an important alert for you. Having more than one UAN (Universal Account Number)—even unintentionally—can create serious problems related to your Provident Fund (PF) balance, interest earnings, tax planning, and pension benefits. As per the rules of the Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO), each employee is allowed only one UAN throughout their working life. Despite this, a large number of employees are found to have multiple active UANs.
Experts warn that while this may seem like a minor oversight, over time it can lead to loss of PF interest, delays in withdrawal, and even tax complications. This is why it is crucial to merge all UANs into a single active account at the earliest.
Why Do Multiple UANs Get Generated?
In most cases, multiple UANs are created when an employee changes jobs and fails to share their existing UAN or EPF details with the new employer. As a result, the new employer generates a fresh UAN through the system. Apart from this, other common reasons include:
- The previous employer failing to update the exit date
- Aadhaar or PAN not linked with the UAN
- Minor discrepancies in name, date of birth, or gender
- Incomplete or incorrect KYC details
Due to these inconsistencies, the EPFO system is unable to map the old UAN and instead issues a new UAN.
What Are the Risks of Having Multiple UANs?
- Having more than one UAN is not just a violation of EPFO norms—it can also result in financial losses.
- If a PF account remains inactive for more than three years, it stops earning interest
- In certain cases, interest on non-contributory PF balances may become taxable
- During PF withdrawal, proving continuous five years of service can become difficult
- Pension (EPS) calculations may be affected due to breaks in service history
This is why EPFO repeatedly emphasizes the principle of “One Member – One UAN.”
What Should You Check Before Initiating UAN Merger?
Before starting the merger process, it is important to verify the following details:
- Name, date of birth, and gender must exactly match across Aadhaar, PAN, and EPFO records
- Aadhaar should be seeded and verified, as EPFO treats it as the primary identity proof
- The exit date must be updated by the previous employer
- KYC should be complete and approved for all UANs
Any mismatch at these stages may lead to rejection of the merger request.
How to Merge Multiple UANs?
Method 1: Online Merger via EPFO Portal
- Log in to the EPFO Unified Portal
- Select the option “One Member – One EPF Account (Transfer Request)”
- Verify your personal details
- Enter the details of the old UAN or Member ID
- Choose attestation from the current or previous employer
- Submit the request and track the status using the tracking ID
Method 2: Merger Through Email
If the portal is not functioning or you face technical issues, you can also request a UAN merger via email. The email should include:
- Your current (active) UAN
- All previous UANs
- Full name as per Aadhaar
- Registered mobile number
This method is generally considered slower than the online process.
What If the Employer Does Not Cooperate?
If your previous employer has shut down operations or is delaying attestation, you can file a grievance on the EPFiGMS portal. This often helps in expediting the process.
How Long Does UAN Merger Take?
Through the online process, UANs are typically merged within 20 to 30 days. Once the merger is completed:
- The old UAN is deactivated
- The entire PF balance is transferred to the active UAN
- All future contributions and service records continue under one account
