Will your EPF account earn tax-free interest even after you leave job?

economictimes.indiatimes.com:

However, not many understand the finer working details of the scheme. For instance, how long can you keep the money in an EPF account after retirement or after quitting your job — which means there will be no monthly contribution to the account? Will the EPF account balance continue to earn interest if there are no monthly contributions? If yes, then how long it will work and what would be the applicable interest rate on such EPF balance? If you continue to work after retirement, either with the same or a different company, can you continue with the EPF and EPS account contributions? Here is a look at certain aspects of the EPF account that a contributing member should know.

An EPF account remains active when an individual continues to make the monthly contributions from salary. However, if you have quit working or have retired, how long can you keep the money untouched in the EPF account? One should note that the EPF scheme allows an individual to withdraw 100% of their EPF balance and close the account if they do not join another job within two months. Or else, the EPF account can be closed at the time of retirement. According to a press release issued by the Ministry of Labour & Employment on July 24, 2017, «The Government via a notification dated November 11, 2016, has amended the EPF Scheme regarding the conditions leading to an EPF account becoming an inoperative account. As per amended definition of 'Inoperative Account' (w.e.f November 11, 2016), an account becomes inoperative after the age of 58 years, i.e., 36 months after the retirement age of 55 years.» Vaibhav Bhardwaj, Partner, INDUSLAW, says, «The money in the EPF account can be left