The Public Provident Fund (PPF) is indeed one of the most popular long-term investment schemes in India and the reason is the combination of high-interest rates and tax concessions which make it an attractive investment option.
There is nothing unsafe about it and you can build a retirement corpus or you can put a part of your earnings aside for long-term goals. But do know the plan and follow a definite strategy to be able to obtain the maximum performance from the scheme of Public Provident Fund account.
What is Public Provident Fund Account?
The PPF is a government long-term savings plan in which the tax-saving along with comparatively secure investments are the areas of concern. This depository account gives an interest rate of 8% compounded upon maturity in 15 years.
Budget allocation, every year tax benefits for up to 1.5 Lacs under Section 80C of the Income tax Act may be available. Interest accrued and the eventually matured amount are declared as non-taxable income, so this scheme is ideal for wealth growing steadily and benefiting from tax exemption.
What is the Function of a PPF Account?
The purpose of a PPF account would be to encourage long-term savings and also offer a secure choice to individuals in India. This government-backed scheme aims to encourage thrift and financial discipline among citizens while generating attractive returns and tax benefits.
The PPF account is a safe and tax-efficient investment vehicle for all those trying to develop a retirement corpus, build long-term wealth and also enjoy tax advantages without being a disciplinarian saver.
Making the Best Out of Your Public Provident Fund Account
To make the most of PPF Account, follow these steps:
Start Early & Stay Invested in Public Provident Fund Account
The power of compounding is the key to wealth creation and The Public Provident Fund Account plays on it. By starting early in life you gain the benefit of the compounding effect over a longer time period and a large corpus at maturity. Even a modest monthly contribution is able to add up fast.
If you start investing 500 per month in a PPF account at age 25 and the interest rate remains unchanged at 7.1% per annum, your investment will reach more than 22 lakh by 60. However, if you put off your investment until age 35, the same monthly contribution would lead to a corpus of only around 11 lakh at age 60.
Early withdrawals or account closures can wipe out your corpus and void any tax benefits.
Extend Your Public Provident Fund Account
Beyond the Maturity Period When the PPF account matures after 15 years, you can extend it in blocks of 5 years without making any additional contributions. This extension can be done for life, so you can keep earning tax-free interest on your corpus.
Consider Transferring your PPF account
If you move jobs or relocate, you can transfer Your PPF account to a new bank or post office branch. This stops you from closing your account and also enables you to continue to benefit from the scheme without needing to quit.
However, you should still review the customer service and efficiency at the new branch before you transfer your account. Also, ensure that the transfer goes smoothly to avoid delays.
Nominate your beneficiaries to ensure Your PPF corpus is transferred
To help your loved ones in the event of a death, you must nominate Beneficiaries for Your account. Together with the PPF system, you can nominate one or more individuals to get the balance in your account in case you die.
Regularly review and update your nomination details if your personal circumstances (marriage, divorce or birth of children) have changed. This will ensure that your wishes are carried forward and your beneficiaries get the maximum benefit from your PPF investment.
Keep Up To Date
With interest rate Changes the Interest Rate on Public Provident Fund Accounts is periodically revised by the government on the basis of economic factors. Although the interest rate has stayed quite stable through the years, you have to learn about changes to make educated investment choices.
In case the interest rate rises, you might think about raising your contributions to make the most of the bigger returns. Conversely, if the interest rate drops you might look at other investments or adjust your asset allocation.
Profit from tax benefits
One of the key benefits of the scheme of Public Provident Fund Account is tax benefits. Contributions to the PPF account up to 1.5 lakh yearly are deductible under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act. The interest earned and the maturity amount are also tax free.
Plan your investments wisely to take advantage of the tax advantages. You can contribute the maximum amount permitted per year towards your PPF account at the beginning of the financial year and claim the whole deduction in the same year. This might lower your overall tax bill and also improve your disposable income.
As the PPF scheme is an Investment opportunity, you should diversify Your Investment Portfolio to limit the risks and achieve Your monetary goals. Spread your money among equity, debt and real estate asset classes for a balanced portfolio.
Other tax-efficient investments include the Equity Linked Savings Scheme (ELSS), National Pension System (NPS) and fixed deposits to form a tax-efficient and diversified investment portfolio.
Get Professional advice
Investment decisions are complicated and you should always seek advice from a financial adviser like StartupFino. A financial advisor will determine your risk profile, your financial objectives and an individual investment for you personally.
They can also optimize your Public Provident Fund Account investments, your tax planning and your overall wealth management. It costs a lot more to get professional advice – however, being educated can help you save money in the long run by avoiding costly blunders.
Final Words
The Public Provident Fund is a solid long-term investment tool that provides handsome returns and tax benefits along with a path toward a retirement corpus or other financial goals. Follow the tips given here to make the most of your Public Provident Fund Account and secure a financial future.
