Public Provident Fund (India) - Revision history

Natasha6581: quick update

2025-11-10T13:38:41Z

quick update

->Bhavesh Furia: Updated PPF interest rate for Q4 2021-22

2022-01-01T06:41:54Z

Updated PPF interest rate for Q4 2021-22

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:11, 1 January 2022
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	{{tone\|date=May 2014}}{{Use Indian English\|date=June 2016}}		{{tone\|date=May 2014}}{{Use Indian English\|date=June 2016}}
	{{Use dmy dates\|date=February 2021}}		{{Use dmy dates\|date=February 2021}}
	The '''Public Provident Fund''' ('''PPF''') is a savings-cum-tax-saving instrument in [[India]],<ref>{{cite web\|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/ppf-rate-to-fetch-7-6-why-it-is-still-a-winner/articleshow/62283053.cms\|title=PPF rate to fetch 7.6%: Why it is still a winner}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web \|title=PPF Scheme \|url=https://www.sbi.co.in/portal/web/personal-banking/public-provident-fund-ppf \|access-date=20 October 2014}}</ref> The scheme is fully guaranteed by the [[Government of India\|Central Government]]. Balance in PPF account is not subject to attachment under any order or decree of court. However, Income Tax & other Government authorities can attach the account for recovering tax dues.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web\|title=Tax Laws & Rules > Rules > Public Provident Fund Scheme, 1968\|url=https://www.incometaxindia.gov.in/pages/rules/public-provident-fund-scheme.aspx\|access-date=18 July 2020\|website=www.incometaxindia.gov.in}}</ref>		The '''Public Provident Fund''' ('''PPF''') is a savings-cum-tax-saving instrument in [[India]],<ref>{{cite web\|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/ppf-rate-to-fetch-7-6-why-it-is-still-a-winner/articleshow/62283053.cms\|title=PPF rate to fetch 7.6%: Why it is still a winner}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web \|title=PPF Scheme \|url=https://www.sbi.co.in/portal/web/personal-banking/public-provident-fund-ppf \|access-date=20 October 2014}}</ref> The scheme is fully guaranteed by the [[Government of India\|Central Government]]. Balance in PPF account is not subject to attachment under any order or decree of court under the Government Savings Banks Act, 1873. However, Income Tax & other Government authorities can attach the account for recovering tax dues.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web\|title=Tax Laws & Rules > Rules > Public Provident Fund Scheme, 1968\|url=https://www.incometaxindia.gov.in/pages/rules/public-provident-fund-scheme.aspx\|access-date=18 July 2020\|website=www.incometaxindia.gov.in}}</ref>The balance of a PPF account is fully exempt from wealth tax.

	Public Provident Fund Scheme, 2019 introduced by the Government on 12 December 2019 and with the new scheme the earlier Public Provident Fund Scheme, 1968 as amended from time to time is rescinded.		Public Provident Fund Scheme, 2019 introduced by the Government on 12 December 2019 and with the new scheme the earlier Public Provident Fund Scheme, 1968 as amended from time to time is rescinded.
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	!Interest Rate		!Interest Rate
	\|-		\|-
	\|April 2021 – ~~December 2021~~<ref>{{Cite news\|url=https://dea.gov.in/sites/default/files/Q1%20RoI.pdf\|title=Revision of Interest Rates for Small Savings Schemes for Q1 of 2021-22.		\|April 2021 – March 2022 <ref>{{Cite news\|url=https://dea.gov.in/sites/default/files/Q1%20RoI.pdf\|title=Revision of Interest Rates for Small Savings Schemes for Q1 of 2021-22.
	\|date=1 April 2021\|work=dea.gov.in/\|access-date=1 April 2021\|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news\|url=https://dea.gov.in/sites/default/files/Document%2017-2.pdf\|title=Revision of interest ~~rates~~ for Small Savings Schemes		\|date=1 April 2021\|work=dea.gov.in/\|access-date=1 April 2021\|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news\|url=https://dea.gov.in/sites/default/files/Document%2017-2.pdf\|title=Revision of rate of interest for Small Savings Schemes for Q2 of FY 2021-22
	\|date=30 June 2021\|work=dea.gov.in/\|access-date=1 July 2021\|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news\|url=https://dea.gov.in/sites/default/files/RoI.pdf\|title=Revision of rate of interest for Small Savings Schemes for Q3 of FY 2021-22		\|date=30 June 2021\|work=dea.gov.in/\|access-date=1 July 2021\|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news\|url=https://dea.gov.in/sites/default/files/RoI.pdf\|title=Revision of rate of interest for Small Savings Schemes for Q3 of FY 2021-22
	\|date=30 September 2021\|work=dea.gov.in/\|access-date=30 Sep 2021\|language=en}}</ref>		\|date=30 September 2021\|work=dea.gov.in/\|access-date=30 Sep 2021\|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news\|url=https://dea.gov.in/sites/default/files/q4.pdf\|title=Revision of rate of interest for Small Savings Schemes for Q4 of FY 2021-22
			\|date=31 December 2021\|work=dea.gov.in/\|access-date=31 Dec 2021\|language=en}}</ref>
	\|7.1%		\|7.1%
	\|}		\|}
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	==PPF tax concessions==		==PPF tax concessions==

	Annual contributions qualify for tax deduction under Section 80C of income tax. The tax benefit is capped at ₹1.5 lacs per financial year.		Annual contributions qualify for tax deduction under Section 80C of income tax as per the old Tax regime. The tax benefit is capped at ₹1.5 lacs per financial year.

			PPF falls under EEE (Exempt, Exempt, Exempt) tax basket. Contribution to PPF account is eligible for tax benefit under Section 80C of the [[The Income-tax Act, 1961\|Income Tax Act]] in the old Tax Regime. Interest earned is exempt from income tax and maturity proceeds are also exempt from tax.<ref name=":0" />

			According to R.K. Mohapatra, General Manager-Finance,<ref>{{Cite web\|title=PressReader.com - Digital Newspaper & Magazine Subscriptions\|url=https://www.pressreader.com/india/the-free-press-journal/20201006/282729114356843\|access-date=2021-12-26\|website=www.pressreader.com}}</ref> [[Ircon International\|IRCON International]],<ref>{{Cite web\|title=Despite Falling Interest Rates, PPF Still A Sound Investment Option\|url=https://www.outlookindia.com/outlookmoney/investment/despite-falling-interest-rates-ppf-still-a-sound-investment-option-4976-4976\|access-date=2021-12-25\|website=https://www.outlookindia.com/outlookmoney/\|language=en}}</ref> and author of the award-winning book ‘Retirement Planning: A Simple Guide for Individuals’, in the falling interest rate era, investment in PPF make senses for people who are in higher income tax brackets because of the advantages of exempt-exempt-exempt (EEE) scheme, which means they get tax deduction under Section 80C when they invest, and the accrual of interest as well as withdrawal is completely tax-free.


	PPF falls under EEE (Exempt, Exempt, Exempt) tax basket. Contribution to PPF account is eligible for tax benefit under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act. Interest earned is exempt from income tax and maturity proceeds are also exempt from tax.<ref name=":0" />

	==See also==		==See also==

117.217.118.44: /* Loans */

2021-11-13T19:53:37Z

Loans

New page

{{tone|date=May 2014}}{{Use Indian English|date=June 2016}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2021}}
The '''Public Provident Fund''' ('''PPF''') is a savings-cum-tax-saving instrument in [[India]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/ppf-rate-to-fetch-7-6-why-it-is-still-a-winner/articleshow/62283053.cms|title=PPF rate to fetch 7.6%: Why it is still a winner}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web |title=PPF Scheme |url=https://www.sbi.co.in/portal/web/personal-banking/public-provident-fund-ppf |access-date=20 October 2014}}</ref> The scheme is fully guaranteed by the [[Government of India|Central Government]]. Balance in PPF account is not subject to attachment under any order or decree of court. However, Income Tax & other Government authorities can attach the account for recovering tax dues.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|title=Tax Laws & Rules > Rules > Public Provident Fund Scheme, 1968|url=https://www.incometaxindia.gov.in/pages/rules/public-provident-fund-scheme.aspx|access-date=18 July 2020|website=www.incometaxindia.gov.in}}</ref>

Public Provident Fund Scheme, 2019 introduced by the Government on 12 December 2019 and with the new scheme the earlier Public Provident Fund Scheme, 1968 as amended from time to time is rescinded.

==Eligibility==
Individuals who are residents of India are eligible to open their account under the Public Provident Fund, and are entitled to tax-free returns.

===Non resident Indians===
As of August 2018, as per the [[Ministry of Finance (India)|Indian Ministry of finance (Department of Economic Affairs)]], NRIs ([[Non-Resident Indians|Non resident Indians]]) are not allowed to open ''new'' PPF accounts. However, they are allowed to continue their existing PPF accounts up to its 15 years maturity period.<ref>{{cite web |title=NRI PPF Rules – Account and Notification 2017-2018 |url=https://www.moneychai.com/nri-ppf-rules-account-notification-2017-2018.html |website=Money chai |access-date=6 September 2018}}</ref> An amendment to earlier rules allowing NRIs to invest in PPF was proposed in the finance bill 2018, but has not yet been approved.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Dhawan |first1=Sunil |title=NRIs can continue their PPF account now; Earlier it was to close on losing resident status |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/wealth/invest/nris-can-continue-their-ppf-account-now-earlier-it-was-to-close-on-losing-resident-status/articleshow/63079381.cms |access-date=6 September 2018 |publisher=Economic Times |date=26 February 2018}}</ref>

In October 2017, a notification was passed by the Ministry of finance regarding an amendment to the PPF scheme of 1968, which would deem a PPF account closed from the day a person became a non resident.<ref>{{cite web |title=Notification GSR No. 1237 (E) dated 03.10.2017 |url=https://dea.gov.in/budgetdivision/ppf |website=Official website - Ministry of finance (Department of economic affairs) |publisher=Ministry of finance |access-date=6 September 2018}}</ref> This led to much confusion.<ref>{{cite news |title=PPF accounts to be closed, interest lowered to 4 per cent if you become NRI |url=https://www.businesstoday.in/current/economy-politics/ppf-pf-nsc-post-office-nri-nris-small-saving-schemes-post-office-saving-schemes/story/262844.html |access-date=6 September 2018 |publisher=Business Today |date=14 February 2018}}</ref> Subsequently, the ministry issued an office memorandum in February 2018 keeping the above notification in abeyance till any further order in this regard, thus bringing the situation to the same stance as earlier.<ref>{{cite web |title=Office memorandum F.No. 01/10/2016-NS |url=https://dea.gov.in/budgetdivision/ppf |website=Budget division - Department of economic affairs |publisher=Ministry of finance |access-date=6 September 2018}}</ref>

==Investment and returns==
A minimum yearly deposit of ₹'''500''' is required to open and maintain a PPF account. A PPF account holder can deposit a maximum of ₹'''1.5 lacs''' in his/her PPF account (including those accounts where he is the guardian) per financial year. There must be a guardian for PPF accounts opened in the name of minor children. Parents can act as guardians in such PPF accounts of minor children. Any amount deposited in excess of ₹1.5 lacs in a financial year will not earn any interest. The amount can be deposited in lump sum or in instalments per year. However, this does not mean a single deposit once in a month.

The [[Ministry of Finance (India)|Ministry of Finance]], Government of India announces the rate of interest for PPF account every quarter. The interest rate compounded annually and 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.

=== Interest rates ===
'''1986–2016'''<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.succinctfp.com/index.php/ppf-historical-interest-rate-since-1-april-1986/,%20http://www.succinctfp.com/index.php/ppf-historical-interest-rate-since-1-april-1986/|title=PPF historical interest rate since 1-April-1986 {{!}} {{!}} Succinct FP|language=en-US|access-date=19 March 2019}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable"
!Period
!Interest Rate
|-
|April 1986 – January 2000
|12.0%
|-
|January 2000 – February 2001
|11.0%
|-
|March 2001 – February 2002
|9.5%
|-
|March 2002 – February 2003
|9.0%
|-
|March 2003 – November 2011
|8.0%
|-
|December 2011 – March 2012
|8.6%
|-
|April 2012 – March 2013<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://dea.gov.in/sites/default/files/InterestRate_SmallSaving_26032012_2.pdf|title=Revision of interest rates for small savings schemes|date=26 March 2012|work=dea.gov.in/|access-date=29 June 2019|language=en}}</ref>
|8.8%
|-
|April 2013 – March 2016<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://dea.gov.in/sites/default/files/InterestRate_SmallSaving_31032015_0.pdf|title=Revision of interest rates for small savings schemes for the Financial Year 2015-2016|date=31 March 2015|work=dea.gov.in/|access-date=29 June 2019|language=en}}</ref>
|8.7%
|}

==== 2016–17 ====
{| class="wikitable"
!Period
!Interest Rate
|-
|April 2016 – September 2016<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://dea.gov.in/sites/default/files/Revision_SSS_RoI_18032016_0.pdf|title=Revision of interest rates for Small Savings Schemes|date=18 March 2016|work=dea.gov.in/|access-date=29 June 2019|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/wealth/invest/interest-rates-on-ppf-other-savings-to-be-lower-from-april-1/articleshow/51631989.cms|title=Interest rates on PPF, other savings to be lower from April 1|date=31 March 2016|work=The Economic Times|access-date=16 June 2017}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.stableinvestor.com/2016/08/ppf-interest-rate-history.html|title=PPF Interest Rate History & What You Should Really Know|date=24 August 2016|work=Stable Investor|access-date=14 July 2017|language=en-US}}</ref>
|8.1%
|-
|October 2016 – March 2017<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://profit.ndtv.com/news/your-money/article-interest-rates-cut-on-small-savings-schemes-1468188|title=Interest Rates On PPF, Other Savings Schemes Cut - NDTV|access-date=16 June 2017}}</ref>
|8.0%
|}

==== 2017–18 ====
{| class="wikitable"
!Period
!Interest Rate
|-
|April 2017 – June 2017<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://dea.gov.in/sites/default/files/Interest%20rates%20for%201st%20quarter%20of%202017-18_0.pdf|title=Interest rates of Small Savings for first quarter of 2017-18|date=31 March 2017|work=dea.gov.in/|access-date=29 June 2019|language=en}}</ref>
|7.9%
|-
|July 2017 – December 2017<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://dea.gov.in/sites/default/files/Interest%20rates%20for%20second%20quartaer%20of%20FY%2017-18.pdf|title=Revision of interest rates for Small Savings Schemes for the second quarter of Financial Year 2017-18|date=30 June 2017|work=dea.gov.in/|access-date=29 June 2019|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://dea.gov.in/sites/default/files/interest%20rate%2001.10.2017.pdf|title=Revision of interest rates for Small Savings Schemes Dated 29th September, 2017|date=29 September 2017|work=dea.gov.in/|access-date=29 June 2019|language=en}}</ref>
|7.8%
|-
|January 2018 – March 2018
|7.6%
|}

==== 2018–19 ====
{| class="wikitable"
!Period
!Interest Rate
|-
|April 2018 – September 2018<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://dea.gov.in/sites/default/files/Auto-Color0806_0.pdf|title=Revision of interest rates for Small Savings Schemes for first quarter of Financial Year 2018-19.
|date=28 March 2018|work=dea.gov.in/|access-date=3 April 2018|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://dea.gov.in/sites/default/files/Revision%20of%20Interest%20Rates%20for%202nd%20Quarter%20of%20FY%202018-19.pdf|title=Interest Rates applicable to Small Savings Schemes for Second Quarter of FY 2018-19.|date=2 July 2018|work=dea.gov.in/|access-date=13 July 2018|language=en}}</ref>
|7.6%
|-
|October 2018 – March 2019<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://dea.gov.in/sites/default/files/Intt.%20rates%20for%203rd%20Quarter%20of%202018-19.pdf|title=Revision of interest rates for Small Savings Schemes.
|date=19 September 2018|work=dea.gov.in/|access-date=20 September 2018|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://dea.gov.in/sites/default/files/Interest%20rates%20for%204th%20quarter%20of%20FY%202018-19.pdf|title=Interest rates of Small Savings Schemes for 4th quarter of 2018-19.|date=31 December 2018|work=dea.gov.in/|access-date=10 January 2019|language=en}}</ref>
|8.0%
|}

==== 2019–20 ====
{| class="wikitable"
!Period
!Interest Rate
|-
|April 2019 – June 2019<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://dea.gov.in/sites/default/files/Black%20and%20White0583.pdf|title=Revision of interest rates for Small Savings Schemes for first quarter of Financial Year 2019-20.
|date=29 March 2019|work=dea.gov.in/|access-date=29 March 2019|language=en}}</ref>
|8.0%
|-
|July 2019 – March 2020<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://dea.gov.in/sites/default/files/Q2_0.pdf|title=Revision of interest rate on Small Savings Schemes for Second Quarter of 2019-20.|date=28 June 2019|work=dea.gov.in/|access-date=29 June 2019|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://dea.gov.in/sites/default/files/Q3%20OM.pdf|title=Revision of interest rate on Small Savings Schemes for Third Quarter of 2019-20.|date=30 September 2019|work=dea.gov.in/|access-date=1 January 2020|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://dea.gov.in/sites/default/files/Q4%20of%202019-20.pdf|title=Revision of interest rate on Small Savings Schemes for Fourth Quarter of 2019-20.|date=31 December 2019|work=dea.gov.in/|access-date=1 January 2020|language=en}}</ref>
|7.9%
|}

==== 2020–21 ====
{| class="wikitable"
!Period
!Interest Rate
|-
|April 2020 – March 2021 <ref>{{Cite news|url=https://dea.gov.in/sites/default/files/RoI%20Q1%202020-21%20%281%29.pdf|title=Revision of interest rates for Small Savings Schemes for first quarter of Financial Year 2020-21.
|date=31 March 2020|work=dea.gov.in/|access-date=31 March 2020|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://dea.gov.in/sites/default/files/Rate%20of%20Interest%20on%20Savings%20Schemes%20for%20Q2%20of%202020-21.pdf|title=Revision of interest rates for Small Savings Schemes for second quarter of Financial Year 2020-21.
|date=30 June 2020|work=dea.gov.in/|access-date=30 June 2020|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://dea.gov.in/sites/default/files/Q3%20RoI.pdf|title=Revision of interest rates for Small Savings Schemes for the third quarter of 2020-21.|date=30 September 2020|work=dea.gov.in/|access-date=30 September 2020|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://dea.gov.in/sites/default/files/Rate%20of%20Interest%20on%20Small%20Saving%20Schemes%20for%20Q4%20of%202020-21.pdf|title=Rate of Interest for Small Saving Schemes for Q4 of 2020-21.|date=31 December 2020|work=dea.gov.in/|access-date=31 December 2020|language=en}}</ref>
|7.1%
|}

==== 2021–22 ====
{| class="wikitable"
!Period
!Interest Rate
|-
|April 2021 – December 2021<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://dea.gov.in/sites/default/files/Q1%20RoI.pdf|title=Revision of Interest Rates for Small Savings Schemes for Q1 of 2021-22.
|date=1 April 2021|work=dea.gov.in/|access-date=1 April 2021|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://dea.gov.in/sites/default/files/Document%2017-2.pdf|title=Revision of interest rates for Small Savings Schemes
|date=30 June 2021|work=dea.gov.in/|access-date=1 July 2021|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://dea.gov.in/sites/default/files/RoI.pdf|title=Revision of rate of interest for Small Savings Schemes for Q3 of FY 2021-22
|date=30 September 2021|work=dea.gov.in/|access-date=30 Sep 2021|language=en}}</ref>
|7.1%
|}

==Duration of scheme==
Original duration is 15 years. Thereafter it can either be closed and the entire amount can be withdrawn or on application by the subscriber, it can be extended for 1 or more blocks of 5 years each, with or without making further contributions. <ref>{{cite web |title=PPF: 7 Things You Need To Know About Public Provident Fund |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/wealth/invest/ppf-7-things-you-should-know-about-public-provident-fund/articleshow/76782198.cms}}</ref>

== PPF maturity options ==
Subscriber has 3 options once the maturity period is over.<ref name="PPF maturity options">{{cite web|title=PPF maturity options|url=https://bharatafinance.com/open-public-provident-fund-account/}}</ref>

#Complete withdrawal.
#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 within 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.
#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 6th financial year. The rate of interest charged on loan taken by the subscriber of a PPF account on or after 12 December 2019 shall be 1% more than the prevailing interest on PPF.

Public Provident Fund Scheme, 2019 has reduced the [https://www.taxcorner.co.in/2019/12/layman-guide-to-ppf-laws-and-rules.html interest spread] to 1 (one) percent form earlier spread of 2 percent.

Up to a maximum of 25 percent 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 ₹500 which can be deposited.
*The rate of interest at present is 7.1% per annum (as of April 2020).
*Interest received is tax free.
*The entire balance can be withdrawn on maturity.
*The maximum amount which can be deposited every year is ₹150,000 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.

==Withdrawals from PPF account==
{{sources|section|date=February 2021}}
There is a lock-in period of 15 years and the money can be withdrawn in full after its maturity period. However, pre-mature withdrawals can be made from the start of the seventh financial year. 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 year or the end of immediately preceding year whichever is lower.

After 15 years of maturity, the full PPF amount can be withdrawn which 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 Penalty / Revival / Nomination ==
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 ₹50 as penalty for each inactive year. He/she also needs to deposit ₹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 ₹150,000 then the nominee or legal heir has to prove the identity to claim the amount<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1">{{Cite web|title=PPF scheme 2019: Loan against PPF account at 1% and other changes you need to know - The Economic Times|url=https://m.economictimes.com/wealth/invest/ppf-scheme-2019-loan-against-ppf-account-at-1-and-other-changes-you-need-to-know/amp_articleshow/73024661.cms|access-date=18 July 2020|website=m.economictimes.com}}</ref>

==Premature closure of PPF account==
The Public Provident Fund (Amendment) Scheme, 2016 made changes in Paragraph 9, for sub-rule 3(C) of Public Provident Fund Scheme, 1968 to facilitate the premature closure of PPF Account.<ref name="PPF Premature Closure">{{cite web|title=Premature Closure of PPF Account|url=https://dea.gov.in/sites/default/files/Premature_ppf18162016_0.pdf}}</ref> Premature closure of PPF account is permitted after completion of 5 years for medical treatment of family members and for higher education of PPF account holder. However, premature closure comes with an interest rate penalty of 1%.
As per GOI 12 December 2019 NOTIFICATIONS some new rules for prematurely widrawal added 1. If change in residency have to produce Visa and passport or ITR may be closed the account.2. Higher education of self or dependent on producing fee Bills or admissions confirm letter account may shut.rest rules are same as demise of holder or medical condition of self or dependent.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" />

==Transfer of PPF 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.<ref name=":0" />

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.

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 the 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 weeks, check that the transferred PPF account now shows up under the PPF account tab/link in your login. If that is not the case, inquire the local bank branch.

==PPF tax concessions==

Annual contributions qualify for tax deduction under Section 80C of income tax. The tax benefit is capped at ₹1.5 lacs per financial year.

PPF falls under EEE (Exempt, Exempt, Exempt) tax basket. Contribution to PPF account is eligible for tax benefit under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act. Interest earned is exempt from income tax and maturity proceeds are also exempt from tax.<ref name=":0" />

==See also==
* [[Equity-linked savings scheme]]
* [[National Pension System]]
* [[National Savings Certificates (India)]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
{{sisterlinks|display=Public Provident Fund|Public Provident Fund}}

*[https://www.indiapost.gov.in/Financial/Pages/Content/Post-Office-Saving-Schemes.aspx India Post. Ministry of Communications & Information Technology]

[[Category:Retirement in India]]
[[Category:Tax-advantaged savings plans in India]]
[[Category:Indian labour law]]