Tax Implications of Investing in Public Provident Fund (PPF) Before knowing the Tax Implications of Investing in Public Provident Fund first of all let us discuss the concept of Public Provident Fund (PPF) . PPF was introduced by Indian Government with an objective to mobilize small saving in the form of an investment, coupled with a return on it. PPF is a safe investment option along with guaranteed returns.

Who are eligible for Public Provident Fund Scheme Accounts

• Individuals who are residents of India can open an account under the scheme.
• Only one PPF account can be maintained by an Individual, except an account that is opened on behalf of a minor. Thus, PPF account can also be opened by either parent under the name of a minor. However, each person is eligible for only one account under his/her name. Mother and Father both cannot open Public Provident Fund (PPF) accounts on behalf of the same minor. Thus, in case a couple has two children, they can maximum open four accounts i.e. two in their own accounts and two in the name of their children under guardianship of either of the parent.
• Non-resident Indians (NRIs) are not eligible to open an account. However a resident who becomes an NRI during the tenure prescribed under Public Provident Fund Scheme has to close his account.
• Since 13th May 2005, Hindu Undivided Family can not open an account under the scheme. However, accounts opened prior to that date may continue subscription to their account till maturity. They can not extend the account any further.

Where Can One open a PPF Account

The PPF account can be opened at either of the following :

(a) Branches of State Bank of India and its subsidiaries,

(b) Other designated nationalised banks,

(c) Selected Post Offices across India.

What are documents required for Opening of PPF Account :-

Following documents are usually required for opening a PPF account :-

Account Opening Form (Form A)

Copy of PAN Card

Copy of Aadhar Card

Residence proof – Passport / Electricity Bill / Aadhar Card

Identity proof – Voter ID/ Driving License/ Aadhar Card

Two passport size photographs

Tax Implications of Investing in Public Provident Fund (PPF)

Deposits upto Rs 1,50,000 p.a. into your PPF account are deductible under Section 80C of Income Tax Act 1961.

It is interesting to note that PPF an investment vehicle that falls under the category of Exempt-Exempt-Exempt (EEE). All deposits made in the PPF are deductible under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act. Interest Earned in PPF Account is also Exempt from Income tax. Furthermore, the accumulated amount and interest is also be exempt from tax at the time of withdrawal.

Other Considerations to be taken care of while Investing inPublic Provident Fund (PPF)

A PPF account cannot be closed before maturity. The maturity period of PPF is 15 Years after which the amount outstanding in the PPF Account along with the interest accrued shall be duely credited in the account of investor. However, if the taxpayer is in need of funds, and wish to withdraw before the maturity period of 15 years, the scheme permits partial withdrawals from year 7 i.e. on completing 6 years. An account holder can withdraw prematurely, up to a maximumof 50% of the amount that stood in the account at the end of 4th year preceding the year in which the amount is withdrawn or at the end of the preceding year, whichever is lower. Further,withdrawal can be made only once in a financial year.

Interest rate of PPF changes every year. Current rate of interest on PPF deposit is 7.9 %

A subscriber is eligible to take a loan from PPF account from the third financial year but this facility is available only till the end of the sixth financial year.The loan amount is capped at a maximum of 25 per cent of the balance available at the close of two years immediately preceding the year in which the loan is being applied for.

Tags : Provident Fund, Income Tax, Income Tax Deduction, Deduction from Gross Total Income

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