EPF account and tax related query

I have the below query regarding my EPF account, which is current been held with the Company PF trust account. Would be very helpful if my query can be clarified please.

I worked for a company for 25 years and had been contributing to the EPF all these years. I quit my job in 2017 and have not joined any other organization/employed since. I am currently 51 years old. Can you please let know:

Will I continue to earn interest on my EPF till I am 58 years, though my account will be tagged as "Dormant / InOperative Accounts", since there is no contribution been made for 3 yrs?
Will this interest accrued post 2017 attract any tax later when I plan to withdraw my funds post 58 years of my age?

Great questions about your EPF! Here's a clear breakdown:

1. Interest on EPF after leaving the job (account dormant)

Yes, you will continue to earn interest on your EPF balance till you turn 58 years old (the age of retirement), even if no further contributions are made.
However, the interest rate for inactive accounts (no contribution for 36 months) is different. It is currently lower (around 4.5%) compared to the regular interest rate for active accounts (which is around 8.15% - 8.65% as notified annually).
Your EPF account will be tagged as "Inoperative/Dormant" but it continues to accumulate interest at this lower rate until you withdraw or reach 58 years.

2. Tax implications on interest earned post leaving job

Interest earned on EPF balance up to 5 years of inactivity is tax-free.
However, interest earned on EPF after 5 continuous years of inactivity (i.e., no contributions) is taxable as "Income from Other Sources" in the year it is credited.
Since you left in 2017 and didn't contribute after that, from 2022 onwards (5 years later), interest earned is taxable.
When you withdraw the entire balance after 58 years, the interest portion credited after 5 years of inactivity would have already been taxed in the respective years.
The principal amount and interest earned during active employment remain tax-free on withdrawal if you have completed 5 continuous years of service.

Summary:

Point	Status
Interest accrual post 2017	Yes, at reduced interest rate till 58 years
Tax on interest for first 5 years of inactivity	Exempt from tax
Tax on interest after 5 years inactivity	Taxable as income in the year of credit
Withdrawal at 58 years	Principal + interest during employment tax-free; interest after 5 years inactivity already taxed