Warren Buffett once said, ‘Only buy something that you’d be perfectly happy to hold if the market shut down for ten years.’ Regular and systematic savings is the key to wealth creation. Public Provident Fund is a long term investment option for investors searching for safe financial instruments. It comes with the dual benefit of tax saving and wealth accumulation. PPF is backed by the government and hence scores high on safety.
What are the features?
- The investments can either be made in 12 instalments or in lump-sum. The minimum number of instalments in a year is 1 and the maximum number of instalments cannot exceed 12.
- Investments can be made in cash or cheque. In case of cheque, the date of realization of a cheque in Govt. account shall be the date of opening of an account.
- PPF account gives a benefit of a tax deduction on deposit, assured returns on investments and tax-free withdrawal on maturity.
- Maturity period is 15 years but the same can be extended within one year of maturity for a further 5 years.
- An account can be opened for a minor as well. One condition for this is that the maximum investment limit should be the addition of balance in all accounts. There is no facility for opening a joint account.
- A nominee can be added at any time i.e at the time of opening and also after the opening of an account. An account can be transferred from one post office to another.
- Premature closure is not allowed before 15 years i.e. you are not allowed to close your PPF account until it matures.
- Loan facility is available from a 3rd financial year from the year of opening account.
- Partial withdrawal facility can be availed from 7th financial year onwards
Who can invest in PPF?
An individual can invest in PPF. The minimum investment amount is Rs 500/- and the maximum amount is Rs 1,50,000/- for a year. It is suitable for freelancers and proprietors. Deposits made under PPF qualify for deductions under Sec. 80C and interest earned are tax-free.
FAQs
No. The deposits fall under the EEE (Exempt, Exempt, Exempt) tax category. This means that:
– Deposits made under PPF scheme are allowed as deduction under section 80C.
– Interest earned on these deposits in exempt from tax; &
– Amount withdrawn from the PPF account is also exempt from any tax.
You can open one PPF account every 15 years. However, at any given time, you can only have one account in your name.
Yes. It is plausible for an Individual to have an EPF and a PPF account at the same time.
