INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
Public Provident Fund (PPF) accounts offer an interest rate of 7.6% per annum.
Public Provident Fund (PPF) scheme is a popular long term government-backed investment option, which
offers safety with attractive interest rates and returns that are fully exempt from income tax
One can also avail the facilities of loans, withdrawal and extension of his/her PPF account
Resident Indians and guardians on behalf of minors can open PPF accounts
PPF deposits can be made either in a lump-sum manner or in 12 instalments
Debtors cannot attach your PPF accounts even under a court decree.Here are 10 features of public provident funds (PPF) you should be aware
of:1) PPFinterest rate: PPF accounts offer an interest rate of 7.6 per cent per annum
The interest rates on small savings schemes like PPF are decided every quarter by the government.2) Payment of interest: Interest on PPF
deposits is paid on March 31 every year
The interest for the month is calculated on the minimum balance available in the account from the fifth of a month to the last date of the
So ensure that you deposit money in the account on or before the fifth of the month, else you will lose out on a substantial interest
benefit.3) Income tax benefit: Interest income on PPF accounts is completely tax-free
PPF accounts enjoy the status of being exempt, exempt, exempt or EEE
This means that your contribution, interest income and maturity proceeds on PPF accounts all have zero taxes.4) Maturity period: A PPF
account matures in 15 years
However, it can be further extended within one year of maturity for further five years and so on.5) Premature closureof PPF accounts:
Premature closure of PPF accounts is not allowed before the period of 15 years.6) Premature withdrawal: Premature withdrawal from PPF
accounts is permissible every year from the seventh financial year from the year of opening of account.7) Loan against PPF accounts:
Customers can avail a loan facility on PPF accounts from the third financial year.8) Investment amount: One cannot deposit more than Rs
1,50,000 a year in PPF accounts
The minimum amount required to be deposited within a year is Rs 500.9) Where to open PPF accounts: PPF accounts can be opened in a bank
These days, some banks, also allow the opening of PPF accounts online.10) Nomination facility: A nomination facility is available at the
time of opening of PPF accounts and also after opening of the account.
