5 things you should know about PPF to get more benefits

Public Provident Fund (PPF) is a better investment option for the long term. Investing in PPF is not only safe, but also offers the full benefit of tax exemption. There is little risk in this for investors. Since investment in PPF is fully protected by the government, it is completely risk free. PPF is one of the most suitable investment options for self-employed professionals and employees not covered by EPFO. Apart from this, people who do not have any organized structure for jobs or business, can choose PPF for long-term investment.Do not think about PPF in such a way that money is to be added to this account once a year. If invested with a little planning, PPF can prove to be a good investment in your financial portfolio. Let us know what are the benefits of investing in PPF.

Better interest rate:

The central government revises the interest rate on PPF account every quarter. The interest rate on PPF has always been 7 percent to 8 percent. It may increase or decrease slightly depending on the economic situation. Currently the interest rate on PPF is 7.1 per cent, which is compounded annually. Comparing this to the fixed deposits of many banks, Public Provident Fund (FD), PPF pays more interest to its subscribers.

Expansion of tenure:

The scheme has a period of 15 years for subscribers after which the amount covered under tax exemption can be withdrawn. But subscribers can apply for another 5 years. And they can choose whether they want to continue the contribution or not.

Tax benefit:

In the Public Provident Fund, there is a tax benefit under Section 80C of the IT Act. In this, deduction of up to Rs 1.5 lakh can be taken on the amount invested in the scheme. Both the interest and maturity amount earned in PPF are tax deductible.

Investment security:

By having a government-backed savings scheme, the subscriber gets full protection from investing in it. There is sovereign guarantee on the interest earned, which makes it more secure than the bank’s interest. In comparison, insurance is provided on the deposit up to Rs 5 lakh by the Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation (DICGC) on bank deposits.

Loan facility:

Subscribers can take loans on PPF account at the appropriate interest rate. By opening an account to a loan benefit, you can take advantage of the loan in the third and sixth year. This is especially beneficial for those who want to apply for a short-term loan.

Interest is calculated before 5th date:

PPF is an annual interest but is calculated every month. This interest is paid on the minimum balance between the 5th and the last date of every month. If you invest before the 5th, you will get interest for that month on the investment. Otherwise it will be like a one-month interest-free loan for the government. So if you are investing by check, then deposit the check 3-4 days before the cutoff date.