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Public Provident Fund (PPF) was introduced in India in 1968 with the objective to mobilize small saving in the form of an investment, coupled with a return on it. It can also be called a savings-cum-tax savings investment vehicle that enables one to build a retirement corpus while saving on annual taxes.
What is a PPF scheme?
Public Provident Fund scheme is a long term investment option which offers an attractive rate of interest and returns on the amount invested. The interest earned and the returns are not taxable under income Tax. One has to open an PPF account under this scheme and the amount deposited during a year will be claimed under section 80C deductions.
A PPF account can be opened with either a Post Office or with any nationalized bank or private authorised by RBI. You need to submit the duly filled application form along with the required documents i.e. the KYC documents like identity proof, address proof, and signature proof. Post submitting these documents you can deposit a prescribed amount towards the opening of the account.
Essential features of PPF
Loan against PPF – You can take a loan against your PPF account between the 3rd and 5th years. The loan amount can be a maximum of 25% of the 2nd year immediately proceeding the loan application year. A second loan can be taken before the 6th year if the first loan is repaid fully.
As a rule, one can close a PPF account only upon maturity i.e. after the completion of 15 years. Upon completion of 15 years, the entire amount standing to the credit of an account holder in the PPF account along with the accrued interest can be withdrawn freely and the account can be closed.
However, if account holders are in need of funds, and wish to withdraw before 15 years, the scheme permits partial withdrawals from year 7 i.e. on completing 6 years.
PPF is one investment vehicle that falls under the Exempt-Exempt-Exempt (EEE) category. This, in other words, means that all deposits made in the PPF are deductible under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act. Furthermore, the accumulated amount and interest is also be exempt from tax at the time of withdrawal.
It is important to note that a PPF account cannot be closed before maturity. A PPF account, however, can be transferred from one point of designation to another. But, do remember that a PPF account cannot be closed prematurely. Only in the case of the account holder’s demise can the nominee’s file for the closure of the account.
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