Everything you need to know about PPF account

What is the PPF Scheme?

Public Provident Fund (PPF) scheme is a long term investment scheme backed by the Government of India, framed under the Public Provident Fund Act, 1968. It offers safety with attractive interest rate and returns that are fully exempted from Tax.

Who can open account under PPF scheme?

a. Individual or individual as guardian of a minor can open the account. (account cannot be opened in Joint names).

b. Only one account can be opened by an individual in his/her own name.

What is the Limit of Subscription to a PPF account?

Minimum subscription of Rs.500/- and maximum of Rs.1, 50,000/- can be made in lumpsum or in 12 installments per financial year.

(The subscription limits stands enhanced to Rs. 1,50, 000/ per year w.e.f. 23.08.2014)

When does a PPF account mature and can PPF account continue with deposits after maturity?

The duration of the account is 15 years and the account can be continued for one or more blocks of 5 years without loss of interest on written request within 1 year from the date of maturity.

When is an account treated as Discontinued?

Where subscribers fail to subscribe the minimum amount Rs 500/- in a financial year, the account will be treated as discontinued. The subscriber in such cases will not be entitled to obtain a loan or make a partial withdrawal unless the account is revived. The subscriber cannot open another PPF account in addition to the discontinued one.

How can a Discontinued Account be revived?

A subscriber to a discontinued account may revive the discontinued account by payment of Rs. 50/- as penalty for each year of default along with arrears subscription of Rs. 500/- for each year.

What is the Rate of Interest under PPF ?

Interest rate is notified by the Central Government in official gazette from time to time. Currently it is 8.0% per annum.

Is nomination facility available under the scheme ?

Yes, the PPF scheme facilitates nominations of one or more persons. However, no nomination(s) is possible in case of minor account.

Can there be a change in nominations ?

Yes, changes to previous nomination(s) are possible by applying a fresh nomination(s).

Can a PPF account be transferred ?

Yes, the account is transferable to and from permitted branches of nationalized or private sector banks or Post Offices by submitting a request letter by the PPF A/c Holder to the existing Accounts Office.

Whether Loan facility or partial withdrawal is available under the PPF scheme ?

Yes, the depositor is eligible for a loan in the third financial year from the financial year in which the account was opened. Loan up to 25% of the balance amount standing at the credit of the account at the end of first financial year can be availed. Loan is repayable in 36 months. The rate of interest on the loan shall be at 2% per annum above the PPF interest rate.

The repayment of loan may be made either in one lump sum or in two or more monthly installments within the prescribed period of thirty six months. The repayment is credited to the subscriber’s account. After the principal of the loan is fully repaid, the subscriber shall pay interest thereon in not more than two monthly installments

If the loan is not repaid within the prescribed period of thirty six months, interest on the amount of loan outstanding shall be charged at six per cent per annum instead of at two per cent per annum. Withdrawal is allowed every year from the end of the 5th year.

The amount is limited to 50% of the account balance at the end of 4th year immediately preceding the year of withdrawal or at the end of the preceding year whichever is lower less the amount of loan if any drawn by him which is unpaid. If any account is continued after maturity, a partial withdrawal up to 60% of the balance of credit at the commencement of the extended period is permitted during the 5 years block period.

Can a PPF account continue with Deposits after maturity?

Yes, a subscriber may, after maturity of the PPF account, continue the account for one or more blocks of 5 years without loss of interest on written request within 1 year from the date of maturity.

Can a PPF account continue without deposits after maturity?

Yes, PPF account can be continued after maturity without making any further deposits. The balance will continue to earn interest at the notified rates. The subscriber can make one withdrawal of any amount in each financial year.

Can name of the account be changed on account of marriage of a female subscriber?

Yes, In the event of her marriage, a female subscriber may request for change in name of the account by submitting documentary evidence for the same.

How is the repayment of balance in the PPF account done after the death of the subscriber?

Upon death of the subscriber, repayment of the balance in the PPF account will be made to the Nominee or to the Legal heirs after submission of necessary documents.

Does the PPF account earn interest after the death of the subscriber?

Yes, the PPF account continues to earn interest at the notified rate even after the death of the subscriber.

Whether premature closure of the PPF account is allowed?

Not allowed except in case of death of the subscriber.

In what banks can I open the PPF account?

Public Provident Fund or PPF account can be opened at any of the nationalized banks like SBI, BoB etc and also at private sector banks like ICICI, Kotak etc.

U can also open PPF account at Post Offices also, But I would suggest you to stick to either nationalized banks or Private banks. Private Banks is much better because you would have that account as a salary account, which can also be used for investments like PPF, Insurance, Mutual funds investing through SIP, Trading account with Demat account, Gold investments and locker facility.

In that way, you can have only one account which can provide all services and also, since you are using all services you get extra facilities and discounts for many sites, shopping, travel etc. It becomes easier to keep a track of your earnings and expenses, so that you can plan your financial budgets better.

What are the income tax benefits available under PPF scheme?

Tax benefits under section 80C of Income Tax Act are available. Interest income is also totally exempt from income tax. Amount outstanding to the credit of PPF account is fully exempt from wealth tax. You will have to provide all the proof of 80C investments to your auditor at the time of filing your income tax returns.

If you are a salaried employee, your company has taken the proof of PPF and other income tax savings schemes to give you tax exemption in the current financial year. Your company is going to submit the same to income tax stating that you have shown PPF as proof of 80C investments. Hence it should be backed up with proof when filing returns also