on EPF I can say is you should not withdraw it ideally (till your retirement). If you withdrwaw it nonetheless after 5 years of being with the employer (or 5 years on the same PF account transferred from old to new employer) the amount is tax free. If not, you have to pay tax on it and also refund the tax benefit you gained (if you claimed it under 80C) on the EPF..
Rediff had an Outlook Money article on Gratuity 3-4 days back.. Search for it..