What is PPF Account and the Benefits of Investing in PPF ?

ITaxWhat is PPF Account and the Benefits of Investing in PPF ? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . We all have heard a lot about PPF and seen our parents make investments in PPF but what exactly is PPF and what are the benefits of Investing in PPF? This is one question which usually crops up in our minds and in this article we’ve tried to explain the meaning of PPF and the benefits of investing in the same.. . . . What is PPF ? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PPF refers to Public Provident Fund and is a Long Term Debt Scheme of the Govt. of India on whichregular interestis paid. Any Individual (whether Salaried or Self-Employed or any other category) can invest in this scheme and can earn a handsome tax-free return on the same which is usually higher than the return offered by Banks on Fixed Deposits. It can beopened in any Post Office, any branch of the State Bank of India and some branches of other nationalised banks. . . . . . . . . NRI’s are not allowedto subscribe to PPF Account. However, if someone opens a PPF Account while he is a Resident of India but subsequently becomes a NRI, he shall be allowed to continue investing in his account. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Maximum and Minimum amount to be deposited in PPF each year The Maximum amount that can be deposited in a PPF account every year is Rs. 70000 and the Minimum amount to be invested in PPF every year is Rs. 500 Every subscripttion shall be made in Cash/Crossed Cheque/Draft/Pay Orderin favour of the Accounts Officer at the place at which that office is situated.This amount may be paid in 12 monthly instalments or in lump-sumat the option of the Account Holder.An Individual may also subscribe to PPF on behalf of his HUF or on behalf of a Minor whom he is a Guardian of. . . . . . . . . , ** Interest Rate on PPF ===> , . . . . . The Interest Rate of PPF is decided by the Govt. The Current Interest Rate on PPF is 8%.The Interest is computed for a calendar month on the basis of the lowest balance in an account between the close of the 5th day and the end of the month and the Interest is credited to the account of the account holder at the end of the year.Tenure of PPF AccountThe PPF Account can be closed at any time after the expiry of 15 years from the date on which it was opened. The whole amount in this account can be withdrawn at the time of Closure. For Closure of account, the account holder shall apply in ‘Form C’ and furnish the Pass Book of his PPF Account. Extension of PPF Account . . . . However, on the expiry of 15 years, the Account holder can also apply for extension of duration for a further time period of 5 years In case an account holder opts for extension of PPF Account, he shall also be eligible for Partial Withdrawal by applying in ‘Form C’, subject to the condition that the total of the withdrawals during the extended 5 years shall not exceed 60% of the balance in his account at the time of extension. Pre-Mature Withdrawal from PPF There is alock-in period of 5 yearsin a PPF Account and an Account Holder can withdraw money only at the end of the 5th year.The maximum amount that can be withdrawn is 50% of the amountthat stood in his account (whichever is lower amongst the following two): - . . . . . . . . *.At the end of 4th year or . . . . . . . *.At the end of the previous year in which Withdrawal is sought to be made . . . . . . If the Account Holder has taken any Loan against this amount, it shall also be deducted from the above figure computed above.Loans on PPF AccountLoans can be availed from the 3rd financial year excluding the year of deposit. Amount of such loans must not exceed 25 percent of the amount that stood to the account holder’s credit at the end of the second year immediately preceding the year in which the loan is applied for.A fresh loan is not allowed when a previous loan or interest is outstanding. Interest is charged at a rate of 1% if repaid within 36 months and at 6% on the outstanding loan after 36 months. The repayment may be madeeither in lump-sum or in Instalments. Benefit of Investing in PPF – Taxation of PPF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.Benefit u/s 80C – The Investments made in PPF Account are eligible for deduction u/s 80C Tax Free Interest – No Tax is payable on the Interest Earned on PPF Account. Thus, as both the Investment made and Interest Received are free from any taxes, the net return from PPF Account is highest when compared to any other Fixed Income (Interest) paying Investment, and thus it is always advisable to Invest in PPF Account. .smile.