PPF account: All you should know

Know the key features of Public Provident Fund (PPF) Scheme.

New Delhi: The Public Provident Fund (PPF) Scheme offers an investment avenue with decent returns coupled with income tax benefits.

Salient features of the Scheme are as follows:

1 ELIGIBILTY – Individuals in their own name as well as on behalf of a minor can open the account at any Branch. As per extant instructions, opening of PPF accounts in the name of Hindu Undivided Family is not permitted.

2 INVESTMENT LIMITS - With effect from August,2014 a minimum of Rs.500.00 subject to a maximum of Rs.1.50 lac per annum may be deposited. The subscriber should not deposit more than Rs.1.50 lac per annum as the excess amount will neither earn any interest nor will be eligible for rebate under Income Tax Act. The amount can be deposited in lump sum or in a maximum of 12 installments per year.

3 DURATION OF SCHEME - Original duration is 15 years. Thereafter, on application by the subscriber, it can be extended for 1 or more blocks of 5 years each.

4 RATE OF INTEREST - 8.10 percent per annum with effect from 01.04.2016 (compounded yearly). Interest will be paid on 31st March every year. Interest is calculated on the minimum balance between 5th day and end of the month.

5 LOANS AND WITHDRAWALS - Loans and withdrawals are permitted depending upon the age of the account and balances as on the specified dates.

6 TAX BENEFITS - Income Tax benefits are available under Sec 88 of IT Act. Interest income is totally exempt from Income Tax. Amount outstanding to the credit is fully exempted from Wealth Tax also.

7 NOMINATION - Nomination facility is available in the name of one or more persons. The shares of nominees may also be defined by the subscriber.

8 TRANSFER OF ACCOUNT - The account can be transferred to other branches/ other banks or Post Offices and vice versa upon request by the subscriber. The service is free of charges.

Source: SBI website