Public Provident Fund (PPF), a retirement planning-focused instrument, was introduced by the National Savings Organization in 1968. It is considered as a cornerstone of financial planning for many Indians. As PPF continues to gain popularity, it's essential to understand key aspects of this tax-efficient savings vehicle.
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Triple tax benefits
The hallmark of PPF lies in its triple tax benefits, which signify that it offers tax exemptions at three stages - contributions made are eligible for tax benefits under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act. All the interest earned in a PPF account is also completely tax-free, enhancing the overall returns on the investment.
Additionally, when the PPF account matures, the entire maturity amount, along with the accumulated interest, remains exempt from both wealth tax and capital gains tax.
Eligibility
PPF account can be opened by a single adult who is an Indian resident. Additionally, a guardian can open it on behalf of minor/person of unsound mind
Only one account can be opened all across the country either in post office or any bank.
Interest rate
The interest rate on PPF is subject to quarterly reviews, potentially changing in response to government announcements.
While small savings rates have experienced adjustments, the PPF rate has remained untouched since its reduction in April-June 2020, falling from 7.9 percent to 7.1 percent.
Here's how PPF account interest rates have changed in the past 10 years to the latest PPF interest rate:
Financial Year | Interest Rate (in % p.a) |
1 July 2023 – 30 September 2023 | 7.10% |
1 April 2023 – 30 June 2023 | 7.10% |
1 January 2023 – 30 March 2023 | 7.10% |
1 October 2022 – 31 December 2022 | 7.10% |
1 July 2022 – 30 September 2022 | 7.10% |
1 April 2022 – 30 June 2022 | 7.10% |
1 January 2022 – 31 March 2022 | 7.10% |
1 October 2021 – 31 December 2021 | 7.10% |
1 July 2021- 30 September 2021 | 7.10% |
1 April 2021 - July 2021 | 7.10% |
1 January 2021 - 31 March 2021 | 7.10% |
1 October 2020 – 31 December 2020 | 7.10% |
1 July 2020 - 30 September 2020 | 7.10% |
1 April 2020 - 30 June 2020 | 7.10% |
1 January 2020 - 31 March 2020 | 7.90% |
1 October 2019 - 31 December 2019 | 7.90% |
1 July 2019 - 30 September 2019 | 7.90% |
1 April 2019 - 30 June 2019 | 8.00% |
1 January 2019 - 31 March 2019 | 8.00% |
1 October 2018 - 31 December 2018 | 8.00% |
1 July 2018 - 30 September 2018 | 7.60% |
1 April 2018 - 30 June 2018 | 7.60% |
1 January 2018 - 31 March 2018 | 7.60% |
1 October 2017 - 26 December 2017 | 7.80% |
1 July 2017 - 30 September 2017 | 7.80% |
1 April 2017 - 30 June 2017 | 7.90% |
1 January 2017 - 31 March 2017 | 8.00% |
1 October 2016 - 31 December 2016 | 8.00% |
1 July 2016 - 30 September 2016 | 8.10% |
1 April 2016 - 30 June 2016 | 8.10% |
(Source: Groww)
Compounding magic
Financial experts emphasise the power of compounding with PPF. The longer your money stays invested, the faster it grows. Hence, periodic, long-term investments can be a potent strategy.
Maturity
PPF accounts have a fixed maturity period of 15 years, with calculations beginning from the end of the financial year in which the first deposit was made.
However, the same can be extended within one year of maturity for a further five years and so on. Also, the PPF account can remain active even after maturity without making any fresh contributions. It continues earning tax-free interest after maturity, according to experts.
Loan facility
After completing the third year but before the fifth year, investors can avail of a loan against the PPF account. Additionally, for emergencies, partial withdrawals are allowed after the seventh year.
Flexible entry
Investors can open a PPF account with a minimum contribution of just Rs 500 and a maximum of Rs 1.5 lakh in a financial year. All investors need are Aadhaar card, savings bank account, and a net banking login ID.
Penalty for premature closure
In the event of premature closure of a PPF account, a penalty is imposed in the form of a 1 percent reduction in the applied interest rate for the period the account was held.
Premature withdrawals
Premature withdrawals from the PPF account are permissible only after completing five financial years from the end of the financial year in which the first deposit was made.
Making the best use of investment
Individuals who invest in PPF should always try to deposit their instalments before or on the fifth of every month. This helps gain interest benefits for that month, according to the PPF rule. The interest rate offered on PPF accounts is calculated on the minimum balance in the account between the fifth day of the month and the last day of the month. The interest on the amount deposited is calculated every month in PPF, but the interest is credited into the account at the end of the financial year, that is, on March 31 of every year. The interest becomes payable for that month if the deposit is made before the fifth of that month.
So, one can get the maximum amount of interest on interest if the amount is deposited before the fifth. Somebody, who does it after the fifth day of the month, may lose out on substantial interest income for that particular month.
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