PPF meaning can be simply stated as a long-term investment scheme, popular among individuals who want to earn high but stable returns. Proper safekeeping of the principal amount is the prime target of individuals opening a PPF account.
When a PPF scheme is opened, the PPF account is scheduled for the applicant where the money is deposited every month and interest is compounded.
What is a PPF account?
The PPF account or Public Provident Fund scheme is one of the most popular long-term saving-cum-investment products, mainly due to its combination of safety, returns and tax savings.
The PPF was first offered to the public in the year 1968 by the Finance Ministry’s National Savings Institute. Since then it has emerged as a powerful tool to create long-term wealth for investors.
Investors use the PPF as a tool to build a corpus for their retirement by putting aside sums of money regularly, over long periods of time (PPF has a 15-year maturity, and the facility to extend the tenure). With its attractive interest rates and tax benefits, the PPF is a big favourite with a small saver.
How Important is PPF?
The PPF (Public Provident Fund) is considered an excellent investment option, especially for people uncomfortable with taking risks. While the returns may not be very high because they depend on the market, they offer stability. Additionally, investing in PPF can help diversify your portfolio and has tax benefits.
Features of a PPF Account
The key characteristics of a public provident fund scheme can be listed as follows–
| Interest Rate of PPF | 7.1% per annum |
Tax Benefit | Up to Rs.1.5 lakh under Section 80C |
Risk Profile | Offers guaranteed, risk-free returns |
Minimum Investment Amount | Rs.500 |
Maximum Investment Amount | Rs 1.5 lakh per annum. |
Tenure | 15 years |
Investment Tenure
A PPF account has a lock-in period of 15 years on investment, before which funds cannot be withdrawn completely. An investor can choose to extend this tenure by 5 years after the PPF lock in period is over if required.
Principal Amount
A minimum of Rs. 500 and a maximum of Rs. 1.5 Lakh can be invested in a provident fund scheme annually. This investment can be undertaken on a lump sum or installment basis. However, an individual is eligible for only 12 yearly instalment payments into a PPF account.
Investment in a PPF account has to be made every year to ensure that the account remains active.
Loan against Investment
Public provident funds provide the benefit of availing loans against the investment amount. However, the loan will only be granted if it is taken at any time from the beginning of 3rd year till the end of the 6th year from the date of activation of the account.
The maximum tenure of such loans against PPF is 36 months. Only 25% or less of the total amount available in the account can be claimed for this purpose.
Eligibility Criteria
Indian citizens residing in the country are eligible to open a PPF account in his/her name. Minors are also allowed to have a Public provident fund account in their name, provided it is operated by their parents.
Non-residential Indians are not permitted to open a new PPF account. However, any existing account in their name remains active till the completion of tenure. These accounts cannot be extended for 5 years – a benefit available to Indian residents.
Interest on a PPF Account
The interest payable on public provident fund schemes is determined by the Central Government of India. It aims to provide higher interest than regular accounts maintained by various commercial banks in the country.
Interest rates currently payable on such accounts stand at 7.1%, and are subject to quarterly updates at the discretion of the government.
How to Open a PPF Account?
Both offline and online procedures are available for an individual provided he/she meets requisite parameters mentioned in the eligibility criteria. Activating PPF online can be done by visiting the portal of a chosen bank or post office.
The following documents have to be produced at the time of activation of a public provident fund account –
- KYC documents verifying the identity of an individual, such as Aadhaar, Voter ID, Driver’s License, etc
- PAN card
- Residential address proof
- Form for nominee declaration
- Passport sized photograph
PPF – Tax Benefits
Income tax exemptions are applicable on the principal amount invested in a PPF as an account. The entire value of investment can be claimed for tax waiver under section 80C of the Income Tax Act of 1961. However, it should be kept in mind that the total principal that can be invested in one financial year cannot exceed Rs. 1.5 Lakh.
The total interest accrued on PPF investment is also exempt from any tax calculations.
Therefore, the entire amount redeemed from a PPF account upon completion of maturity is not subject to taxation. This policy makes the public provident fund scheme attractive to many investors in India.
Withdrawal
Mandatory lock-in of 15 years is imposed on the principal amount invested in such plans. In case of emergencies related to specific end-uses, partial withdrawal can be made. However, this amount can only be extracted after the completion of 5 years of activation of the account. Up to 50% of the total balance can be withdrawn in one transaction each financial year succeeding in the 4th year.
Investors should note that funds invested in a PPF account cannot be liquidated before the completion of the maturity period. Individuals looking for long-term risk-free investment options providing stable yields can easily opt for this government-backed instrument.
FAQs
How to convert a minor’s PPF account into a major’s?
When a minor PPF account holder becomes a major or turns 18 years old, you can change the status of the account from minor to major by submitting a revised application form along with the relevant documentation stating the account holder’s age. As an attestation, the guardian might submit the application along with the account holder’s signature on the application form.
What is the minimum lock-in period for a PPF investment?
The real term of the PPF account is 15 years, which is the minimum lock-in time for a PPF account.