Public Provident Fund (India)

The Public Provident Fund is a savings-cum-tax-saving instrument in India, introduced by the National Savings Institute of the Ministry of Finance in 1968.The aim of the scheme is to mobilize small savings by offering an investment with reasonable returns combined with income tax benefits.

Eligibility

Individuals who are residents of India are eligible to open their account under the Public Provident Fund.

Investment and returns

A minimum yearly deposit of Rs. 500 is required to open and maintain a PPF account, and a maximum deposit of Rs.1.5 lakhs (as on Financial year 2015-2016) can be made in a PPF account in any given financial year. The subscriber should not deposit more than Rs.1.50 lac per annum as the excess amount will neither earn any interest nor will be eligible for rebate under Income Tax Act. The amount can be deposited in lump sum or in a maximum of 12 installments per year.

The government of India decides the rate of interest for PPF account. The current interest rate effective from 1 April 2016 is 8.1% Per Annum' (compounded annually) which was revised from 8.70% effective from 1 April 2013. Interest will be paid on 31 March every year. Interest is calculated on the lowest balance between the close of the fifth day and the last day of every month.

In a generalized view, if an individual deposits an amount of 1 lakh every year for 15 years without any exception, then he would receive a total sum of more than 30 lakh. This reflects the huge amount of benefit applicable on PPF account, for a total investment of 15 lakh (1 lakh every year * 15 years) interest received is more than 16 lakh, which is also in fact non-taxable.

Duration Of Scheme

Original duration is 15 years. Thereafter, on application by the subscriber, it can be extended for 1 or more blocks of 5 years each.

PPF Maturity Options

Subscriber has 3 options once the maturity period is over.

1. Complete withdrawal
2. Extend the PPF account with no contribution – PPF account can be extended after the completion of 15 years, subscriber doesn’t need to put any amount after the maturity. This is the default option meaning if subscriber doesn't take any action with in one year of his PPF account maturity this option activates automatically. Any amount can be withdrawn from the PPF account if the option of extension with no contribution is chosen. Only restriction is only one withdrawal is permitted in a financial year. Rest of the amount keeps earning interest.
3. Extend the PPF account with contribution - With this option subscriber can put money in his PPF account after extension. If subscriber wants to choose this option then he needs to submit Form H in the bank where he is having a PPF account within one year from the date of maturity (before the completion of 16 yrs in PPF). With this option subscriber can only withdraw maximum 60% of his PPF amount (amount which was there in the PPF account at the beginning of the extended period) within the entire 5 yrs block. Every year only a single withdrawal is permitted.

Loans

Loan facility available from 3rd financial year up to 5th financial year. The rate of interest charged on loan taken by the subscriber of a PPF account on or after 01.12.2011 shall be 2% more than the prevailing interest on PPF. However, the rate of interest of 1% more than PPF interest p.a. shall continue to be charged on the loans already taken or taken up to 30.11.2013.

Up to a maximum of 25 per cent of the balance at the end of the 2nd immediately preceding year would be allowed as loan. Such withdrawals are to be repaid within 36 months.

A second loan could be availed as long as you are within the 3rd and before the 6th year, and only if the first one is fully repaid. Also note that once you become eligible for withdrawals, no loans would be permitted. Inactive accounts or discontinued accounts are not eligible for loan.

Features

The public provident fund is established by the central government. One can voluntarily open an account with any nationalized bank,selected authorized private bank or post office. The account can be opened in the name of individuals including minor.

The minimum amount is Rs.500 which can be deposited. The rate of interest at present is 8.1% per annum, which is also tax-free. The entire balance can be withdrawn on maturity. Interest received is tax free. The maximum amount which can be deposited every year is Rs. 1,50,000 in an account at present. The interest earned on the PPF subscription is compounded annually. All the balance that accumulates over time is exempted from wealth tax. Moreover, it has low risk – risk attached is Government risk. PPF is available at post offices and banks.

Withdrawals from PPF account

There is a lock-in period of 15 year and the money can be withdrawn in whole after its maturity period. However, pre-mature withdrawals can be made from the end of the sixth financial year from when the commenced. The maximum amount that can be withdrawn pre-maturely is equal to 50% of the amount that stood in the account at the end of 4th year preceding the year in which the amount is withdrawn or the end of the preceding year whichever is lower.

After 15 years of maturity, full PPF amount can be withdrawn and all is tax free, including the interest amount as well.

Nomination

Nomination facility is available in the name of one or more persons. The shares of nominees may also be defined by the subscriber.

PPF defaults and revival

If any contribution of minimum amount in any year is not invested, then the account will be deactivated. To activate the bearer needs to pay Rs.50 as penalty for each inactive year. He/she also needs to deposit Rs.500 each as each inactive year’s contribution.

In case death of account holder then the balance amount will be paid to his nominee or legal heir even before 15 years. Nominees or legal heirs are not eligible to continue the account of the deceased.

If balance amount in the account of a deceased is higher than Rs.1,50,000 then the nominee or legal heir has to prove the identity to claim the amount

Transfer Of Account

The account can be transferred to other branches/ other banks or Post Offices and vice versa upon request by the subscriber. The service is free of charges.

Step 1 – Approach the bank or post office branch where the PPF account is held and ask for the form for making the transfer. The bank or post office will provide you with a form which is to be filled. The sample PPF form of SBI available online.

Step 2 – The existing bank will then forward the certified copy of the account, the account opening application, nomination form, and specimen signature. It will also forward the cheque/dd for the outstanding amount in the PPF account to new bank at the branch specified by the customer.

Step 3 – Once your bank receives these documents, the bank will inform you and ask you to submit a new PPF account opening form along with the old PPF passbook. You can also provide nominations for this new account. You will also be required to submit the KYC documents.

Step 4 – If you hold an internet banking facility with your bank, after a few week, check that the transferred PPF account now shows up under the PPF account tab/link in your login. If that is not the case, enquire the local bank branch.

PPF tax concessions

Annual contributions qualify for tax rebate under Section 80C of income tax. Contributions to PPF accounts of the spouse and children are also eligible for tax deduction. Balance in PPF account is not subject to attachment under any order or decree of court. But, Income Tax & other government authorities can attach the account for recovering tax dues. The highest amount that can be deposited is 1,50,000 (please note that the limit has been increased from 1,00,000 to 1,50,000 in 2014-15 budget and the circular has been issued on 20 August 2014). Tax bracket for PPF is EEE (i.e. Exempt,Exempt,Exempt). So contribution is exempted under 80C, Interest earned is tax exempted and withdrawal is also tax exempted. Interest earned is fully exempted from tax without any limits. The scheme is fully guaranteed by the Central Government.

See also

• National Savings Certificates (India)
• National Pension Scheme

External links

• Post-Office Saving Schemes. India Post. Ministry of Communications & Information Technology.