A control device (50) for an electric power steering device (10) is configured to: store a basic target return speed (Vrb), which increases in magnitude as the magnitude of a steering angle (theta) increases; calculate, when a steering wheel (14) is being returned to a neutral position, the basic target return speed (Vrb) based on an actual steering angle (Step 10); calculate a transitional target return speed (Vtrt), which gradually increases in magnitude and gradually approaches the basic target return speed as the magnitude of the actual steering wheel decreases; and control, when the magnitude of a difference between the basic target return speed and the transitional target return speed is more than a reference value, a steering assist torque so that a return speed reaches the transitional target return speed (Step 20 to Step 160).