Learn about your EPF and PPF in detail

April 10, 2008 · 158 comments

Lets see each of PPF and EPF in detail . Both are providend fund benefits for retirement .

Employee Provident Fund (EPF)

The Employee Provident Fund, is a retirement benefit scheme that is available to salaried employees.Under this scheme, a stipulated amount (currently 12%) is deducted from the employee’s salary and contributed towards the fund. This amount is decided by the government.The employer also contributes an equal amount to the fund.

However, an employee can contribute more than the stipulated amount if the scheme allows for it. So, let’s say the employee decides 15% must be deducted towards the EPF. In this case, the employer is not obligated to pay any contribution over and above the amount as stipulated, which is 12%.

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Other Points :

- Return on Investment: 8.5%

- If you urgently need the money, you can take a loan on your PF. You can also make a premature withdrawal on the condition that you are withdrawing the money for your daughter’s wedding (not son or not even yours) or you are buying a home.

- tax benefit under Sec 80C.

- The amount if withdrawn after completing 5 years in job will not be taxable.

Public Provident Fund (PPF)

The Public Provident Fund has been established by the central government. You can voluntarily decide to open one. You need not be a salaried individual, you could be a consultant, a freelancer or even working on a contract basis. You can also open this account if you are not earning.Any individual can open a PPF account in any nationalised bank or its branches that handle PPF accounts. You can also open it at the head post office or certain select post offices.

You can take a loan on the PPF from the third year of opening your account to the sixth year. So, if the account is opened during the financial year 1997-98, the first loan can be taken during financial year 1999-2000 (the financial year is from April 1 to March 31).

The loan amount will be up to a maximum of 25% of the balance in your account at the end of the first financial year. In this case, it will be March 31, 1998.

You can make withdrawals during any one year from the sixth year. You are allowed to withdraw 50% of the balance at the end of the fourth year, preceding the year in which the amount is withdrawn or the end of the preceding year whichever is lower.

For example, if the account was opened in 1993-94 and the first withdrawal was made during 1999-2000, the amount you can withdraw is limited to 50% of the balance as on March 31, 1996, or March 31, 1999, whichever is lower.

If the account extended beyond 15 years, partial withdrawal — up to 60% of the balance you have at the end of the 15 year period — is allowed.

Other Points:

- The minimum amount to be deposited in this account is Rs 500 per year. The maximum amount you can deposit every year is Rs 70,000.

- Return on investment : 8%

- tax benefit under Sec 80C , no tax on the maturity and no tax on interest earned.

- If you’re involved in a legal dispute, a court cannot attach or question the money in your PPF account.

Who should invest in PPF ?

Its mainly for people who are very conservative and cant take risk to great extent.

Any one who wants to invest for long term in some secure saving instrument must invest in PPF. To achieve long term goals there are many option like:

- Mutual Funds (Equity)

- Shares (Equity )

- PPF (Debt)

- Fixed Deposit (Debt)

- NSC (Debt)

- Others

Out of these , all under Debt catagory are safe. PPF is the most recommended if the investment horizon is very long like 15+ years.

Because of compounding you money will grow to a big amount.

I would be happy to read your comments or disagreement on any topic. Please leave a comment.

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{ 156 comments… read them below or add one }

1 Anonymous August 6, 2009 at 1:21 am

Hi Manish,
Your article is very useful. I have a question on PPF acc.
Can I deposite every yr different amt in my PPF acc?
If I start PPF acc by depositing 5000 so can I deposite 500 next yrs and 10000 next to next yr?

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2 Sagar December 6, 2011 at 6:53 pm

Yes You Can.

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3 ashish pandey December 7, 2011 at 9:21 pm

You can deposit max of 100000 Rs in a fiscal year as per new guidelines from RBI.

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4 Vineet Bulbule January 20, 2012 at 2:55 am

Those are not the guidelines from RBI. Its from the Finance Ministry. RBI has nothing to do with this new announcement.

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5 Manish Chauhan August 7, 2009 at 7:45 am

@Anonymous

Yes you can , the max limit is just 70k and min is 500 per year ..

Manish

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6 Anonymous October 25, 2009 at 5:19 am

Hi manish – thanq u very much for posting such useful information on investing…I have read couple of articles in your blog / website.those are very good in explaining basics.. I have a question regarding ppf.. Can nris open an ppf account..if yes, what is the procedure?
Thanks!

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7 has patel October 25, 2009 at 3:12 pm

Hi,Manish

Can NRI open PPF account from their acoount from moneis in indian Bank? or how they become able to invest?

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8 has patel October 25, 2009 at 3:13 pm

can i get answer?

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9 Manish Chauhan October 27, 2009 at 10:30 am

@has patel

NRI can open the PPF account just like every other indian citizen ?

Not sure of the procedure , but you might have to give some document proofs , thats it .. For rest details ask GOD .. aka google .

Manish

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10 Shrikant Chamoli November 6, 2009 at 1:43 am

Hi Manish…great collection of information you have..just one more thing i want to ask. Is there any way to open the a/c online ? and last thing, after maturity 15 years can one withdraw the entire amount or has to stick to 60% only ?

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11 Manish Chauhan November 6, 2009 at 8:30 am

@Shrikant

No , PPF is one of the oldest things we have and its still managed and sold in traditional way . You have to visit your nearest Post office or Some Nationalised Bank , may be SBI to open your PPF.

After 15 yrs, you can withdraw your 100% money .

manish

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12 Sudir Shenoy March 22, 2010 at 11:14 am

Hi Manish, My company has less than 20 employees and hence company gives 10% basic+DA as PPF contribution. It is given to us as a cheque after the end of the financial year and company insist us to deposit into our account. However, as mentioned the amount is paid to us after the current financial year in April or May though it was a part of the current FY contribution. Is this correct to make the payment in next FY. Please assist. Thanks. Sudir

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13 Manish Chauhan March 22, 2010 at 3:25 pm

Sudir

That should not be the case , they should pay the contribution in the same year .. May be we need tax expert here ..

Rishabh , can you help ?

manish

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14 Raja December 6, 2009 at 8:36 am

Hi Manish,

I contributed some amount to EPF account 15 years back. I never note that account number. Can I trace that number on Web. Still that account active?. Which site would help to check my account?.

Secondly, Is that EPF different from PPF account. I like to invest some amount in PPF as your advised (pl. suggest how much % PPF in inv. allocation and years). I have account with ICICI bank. Is it passable to open with them PPF account?. pl. help.

Thanks & Regards,
Raja

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15 manish December 6, 2009 at 1:32 pm

Raja

you should enquire about your EPF with your company for which you work . EPF is at company , so incase you are working at present , get details from your company , if you left your old company you should have transferred the EPF from first company to second . If you have not done that yet , try contacting your first company .

The conclusion here is that you should enquire in your company about your EPF . You can open PPF account anytime . go with SBI or some post office . The allcation would depend on your risk appetite and your own needs . I would say put more and more if you are not risk taker and can put money for long term .

Manish

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16 Shantharam December 16, 2009 at 6:21 pm

Manish,

Will EPF not outscore PPF in terms of returns and investment ?

EPF gives 8.5% p.a whereas PPF gives 8%.. Also, in EPF your employer contributes half of the amount. whereas there is no such contribution in PPF.

Of course EPF cannot be opened by unemployed … whereas PPF is open to everyone…

Your views…

Shantharam

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17 manish December 17, 2009 at 2:50 am

Shantharam

yes , EPF outscore PPF when it comes to returns . Also because employer also contributes same amount as you do (max 12% of basic salary) .

So a person should always try to put PF upto 12% of basic and if possible more than that . PPF is some thing extra we should look after if we can take advantage of EPF .

Manish

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18 Mahesh January 2, 2010 at 4:51 pm

Manish,

what is the frequency of interest calculation by post office / bank for the individuals saving amount lying in PPF a/c ?

For example, I opened PPF a/c in Jan 2009 with an intial deposit of 10,000 INR and deposited again 10,000 INR each time in Apr 2009 and Sep 2009.

Is the interest calculation will be done for entire 30,000 one time for year 2009. How it works?

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19 manish January 2, 2010 at 6:13 pm

Mahesh

Interest is calculated just one time in a year on the lowest balance between the fifth and the last day of the month of March. So make all your deposits before March 5.

regarding your question , I am not sure how will it be calculated . But i think the interest should be calculated on prorata basis for the first year .

manish

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20 Mahesh January 2, 2010 at 9:14 pm

Thanks a lot Manish

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21 sherley January 8, 2010 at 4:41 pm

IMy first deposit is in March 2008. This amount will be considered as deposit for the financial year of 2007-2008. Am i right.
My second deposit is in Jan 2010. So this will be considered as 2009 -2010 financial year deposit. is it right.
So can i deposit in PPF from April 2010 every month. so it will be considered as deposit for next the financial year April 2010 – Mar 2011
Since i am not clear about the deposit durations. Since deposit in PPF is considered for Tax exemption. is it considered as financial year or calender year.

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22 Manish Chauhan January 8, 2010 at 6:07 pm

Always a financial year is considered , So your payment between Apr 2009 – Mar 2010 , will be for year 2009-2010 .

Manish

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23 Sohan Sharma January 27, 2010 at 5:05 pm

Manish ji , Please give me answer of my one question if I open a PPF a/c with Rs. 10000/- in Febuary 2010 can i get full interest of the financial year 2009-10 on rs. 100000/-

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24 manish January 28, 2010 at 8:41 pm

Sohan

No you can not .. you will get interest for the period your money was in the PPF account thats all .

manish

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25 Sohan Sharma January 27, 2010 at 5:07 pm

Manish ji , Please give me answer of my one question if I open a PPF a/c with Rs. 10000/- in Febuary 2010 can i get full interest of the financial year 2009-10 on rs. 100000/-

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26 Monjit February 5, 2010 at 3:56 pm

Sohan,

I think the answer has already been provided by Manish in the previous update , which is..
“No you can not .. you will get interest for the period your money was in the PPF account thats all .”

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27 Abhimanyu Dagla February 6, 2010 at 7:22 pm

Hi Manish,
I want to start my ppf account and deposit for year 2010-11. When should I do that to earn max interest ? I thought first week of april, before 5th.
thanks. kudos to you for such an excellent blog.

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28 Manish Chauhan February 6, 2010 at 10:15 pm

Abhimanyu

You can open PPF account any time and start depositing any time , interest is calculated monthly for the minimum amount on 5th of everymonth , But the whole interest is deposited at the end in the account . Apr 5th is just a myth :)

Manish

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29 Anil February 6, 2010 at 11:25 pm

Dear Manish,

Along with EPF, contributions can also be made to VPF ( Voluntary Provident Fund) , which can add to the retirement fund. Return on investment is same as EPF ( Currently 8.5%), thus giving an edge over PPF.

I am not aware of the rules related to withdrawal of money from VPF. Can you please explain the same?

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30 Manish Chauhan February 6, 2010 at 11:29 pm

Anil

Ya you are correct .

Regaring EPF , its again just like a providend fund . but we have different rules for it . I will discuss about the withdrawal rules in full post . Infact i have done that already in one post . look archives .

Manish

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31 Srikanth Achanta February 9, 2010 at 2:10 pm

I find NSC more flexible, you have an option to use your money starting from the 6th year. Assuming that we take NSC every year for a fixed amount.

With PPF we cannot think about it for 15 yrs.

I have one question though, say i open PPF account today and after 14yrs put 70,000 in it and will i get tax benefit for that amount and would it mature in one year?

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32 Manish Chauhan February 9, 2010 at 9:21 pm

Srikanth

Yes , PPF will mature in 15 yrs with whatever amount put have put before, I dont find NSC better because of the low returns (interest is taxable , PPF interest is not)

Manish

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33 shiv February 11, 2010 at 3:46 pm

Hi, Very helpful incite on PFF and EPF. I have a query – if both the spouse are working, can they have two ppf acounts and hence contribute 70k each towards PPF ?
OR is 70k max for both accounts?

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34 Manish Chauhan February 11, 2010 at 3:52 pm

Shiv

Wheather working or not . Does not matter . each one can open PPF account and do 70k in each .

manish

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35 saurabh February 14, 2010 at 6:44 pm

hi Manish,
1st deposit 20000 in 5th march 2008
2nd deposit 2500 in 3rd March 2010
I want to know
1) before which date every month one should deposit money in ppf account , so that it qualifies for interest?
2) if some1 wants to deposit lump sum in March 2010 instead of putting in money every month how much difference in interest(if any ) will it make?
3) can you point to some link which shows how interest is compounded /calculated in a ppf account

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36 Manish Chauhan February 15, 2010 at 1:56 am
37 Bijoy February 20, 2010 at 10:20 pm

How many PPF accounts can be opened by an individual? If more than one accounts are allowed, then can I deposit Rs70000 in each of the accounts per year or the total deposit should be limited to Rs70000 for all the accounts per year.

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38 Manish Chauhan February 21, 2010 at 2:13 am

Bijoy

A person can open an account for himself and minor child , however total investments in all the PPF account can not cross 70,000

Manish

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39 Shantharam March 9, 2010 at 7:34 pm

Hi Manish,

How are you ? Long time since we discussed on this blog.
I have come up with a small issue in my company regarding PF.

They have provided me the option to contribute additional PF (VPF) to the max extent of 88% as 12% is already being deducted.

However, they say that i will not be able to withdraw the VPF as per my wish. i will only be able to withdraw the normal PF amount accumulated.

is it the case everywhere ?

Thanks,
Shantharam

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40 Manish Chauhan March 10, 2010 at 8:57 pm

Shantharam

I have no idea about this :(

Anyone else >?

Manish

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41 Guruprasad March 20, 2010 at 9:45 pm

Hi Manish ,

Thank you for educating us in making financial decision .

I have recently subscribed to ur site and since I joined I am improving my financial Quotient .

Manish , I would like to know how is investing in PPF is different from investing in FD ?
As I understand , both give us the assured interest over a period of time , interest gets compounded and both are for accumulating money considering long term .

Please advice .

Thanks in advance
Guruprasad SP

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42 Manish Chauhan March 20, 2010 at 10:21 pm

Guruprasad

PPF interest is not taxble , FD interest is
PPF is a long term creation tool hence not liquid .. FD as more liquid , you can break it when you want ..
PPF has limits , FD has not ..

Manish

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43 Sandie April 2, 2010 at 2:47 pm

Hi Manish,
As per new DTC (EET), will PPF be gud deal to invest as after all if not today den tomorrow(after 15 years) it going to b taxable ??
I have opened PPF account in last year by keeping this in mind that after 15 year all money will be tax freebut i hesitate to continue add money in ac bcoz of DTC . Pls suggest.
Thanks
Sandie

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44 Manish Chauhan April 2, 2010 at 5:52 pm

Sandie

Even if DTC comes , PPF will still be good bet in Debt , as everything will be taxable at maturity , your current decisions should not matter much because after 15 yrs tax will be there, if you dont choose PPF , then what will you choose , is there anything in Debt product which will not be taxable ? i guess no :)

Manish

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45 Manish May 12, 2010 at 10:30 am

Hi,

Lets say If i want to plan my retirement using PPF . I want to open a PPF account lets say for next 35 years (30K will be invested every year) . Will the interset will be calcaulated compunded anluaaly even after 15 years ? Do I need to take my money out after 15 years and need to open a new PPF after 15 years ?

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46 Manish Chauhan May 12, 2010 at 11:41 am

Manish

Interest will be calculated in the same way . Its calculated every month on the 5th . After maturity of 15 yrs, you have to renew it for a block of 5 yrs every time , So after 15 yrs, you again run it for 5 yrs, then at 20 yrs , you again have to renew it for another 5 yrs . Like that . does that answer ?

Manish

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47 Sagar December 6, 2011 at 7:30 pm

Dear Manish,

Can 1 PPF account be continued even after 20 Yrs (15 Yrs Running+5 Yrs Locking)? It seems from ur answers that I can continue even after 20 Yrs with 5 Yrs Lockin…. Thanks in advance for ur reply
Regards
Sagar

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48 Manish Chauhan December 7, 2011 at 1:18 pm

Sagar

yes ,you can continue PPF for any number of years in block of 5yrs

Manish

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49 Shibu John June 4, 2010 at 12:39 pm

Hi
I have a query. My company does give me PF facility. But the management says that to start your own. So how can i convince them that EPF is better than PPF. Kindly let me know the benefit of EPF over PPF

Thanks
Shibu

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50 Manish Chauhan June 4, 2010 at 12:50 pm

Shibu

- the benefits are 0.5% extra
- early withdrawal than PPF allowed
- Same contribution from employer

Manish

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51 Pankaj Nirale June 16, 2010 at 12:53 am

Dear Manish,
First of all Thanks for such a nice help you have offered to lot of people so far.
My query is as below:
I am leaving my current company after completing five and half years. Principal Balance in my EPF account should be close to 3.25 Laks(without intrest) and I will get a gratuity amount of 1.25 Lakhs. I am starting my own business and want to keep complete EPF balance and gratuity amount strictly for my reitrement. So what are possible options for me?
1. Can I withdraw complete balance+intrest from my EPF account?
2. I read that employers contribution goes to pension scheme? Can you pls provide details on this aspect or refer some links if its already provided by you?
3. It seems like PPF account has got a yearly limit of 70K, so where can I put amount close to 4.5Lakhs for retirement purpose? Is PPF still an option for me?
4. Or can I continue my EPF account without any monthly contribution to it? Would the account still remian active?
5. Can I put my gratuity amount into my EPF account as a one time credit?

Please let me know your comments.

Best Regards,
Pankaj.

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52 Manish Chauhan June 18, 2010 at 10:00 am

Pankaj

1) Yes
2) There is no distinction on where employee and employer contribution will go differently .
3) If you are talking about 4.5 lacs per year , then NPS can be an option , better invest in Balanced funds
4) I dont think so , EPF is mainly for people who are employed somewhere , you need to get “Salary” for that.
5) No , thats not how it works .

Manish

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53 Ajay September 16, 2010 at 2:55 am

On query 2., Out of 12% of the employer’s share of contribution, 8.33% is to be remitted towards pension fund, but I think there is a upper limit to it.
Employer is also required to pay a contribution of 0.5% of the emoluments towards EDLIS’1976.
http://www.epfindia.com/for_employers.htm

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54 Manish Chauhan September 16, 2010 at 9:51 am

Ajay

Thanks for the info :)

Manish

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55 Shiv June 18, 2010 at 12:39 pm

Hi,

Thanks a lot for posting this article………!
I have one doubt here, while opening the PPF a/c interest rate is 8% and in between government reduced the interest rate. In that scenario it would be applicable for only newbie or old PPF holders also.

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56 Manish Chauhan June 18, 2010 at 11:20 pm

Shiv

It will be applicable to every one . However the rates will be applicable to only that year .

Manish

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57 Rahul Sadawarte June 22, 2010 at 12:05 am

Shiv,
One more thing you need to keep in mind while investing in PPF /EPF that is variation of interest rate provided by Govt of India. Every april GOI will decide about the rate they will offer for that financial year in for both the instrument. It’s not fixed.

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58 Hiral June 25, 2010 at 7:15 pm

Hi,
Can you please let me know what is FPF ?
It would be help if you can elaborate more on FPF.

Thank you in advance.

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59 GIGY June 27, 2010 at 12:07 am

Dear Manish,

which is the best LIC policy for children
child age is 13 yrs
single premium will be paid in (say 2.0 lac)

GG

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60 Manish Chauhan June 27, 2010 at 12:06 pm

GiGy

I dont think anyone , Child Education is a long term goal and hence by the law of personal finance , you should be investing in equity , however any endowment policy either LIC or any other company has pure debt plan , over the years the returns they provide is pathetic and hence are of no much use , They violate the basic idea of “long term investing should be done in Equity”

Manish

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61 Hiral June 29, 2010 at 7:44 pm

Does anybody have idea about FPF (af p af) ?

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62 Ajay July 8, 2010 at 10:03 pm
63 Manohar July 13, 2010 at 3:40 pm

Dear Sir/Madam,
I have a PPF account in SBI, can I deposit a cheque in favour of my PPF account, if yes please give me the details.

Thanks & regards,

Manohar T.K.

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64 Manish Chauhan July 13, 2010 at 8:59 pm

Manohar

I am not sure on it , but it should be possible , check internet

manish

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65 Somnath Mukherjee August 13, 2010 at 1:40 am

Yes. But you have to go to the bank again after the cheque is en-cashed to receive your proper receipt.

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66 Manish Chauhan August 15, 2010 at 11:01 am

thanks for the info

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67 jitendra kr. tomer November 1, 2010 at 1:25 pm

Open PPF account from their acoount from moneis in indian Bank? or how they become able to invest

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68 Manish Chauhan November 1, 2010 at 3:58 pm

Jitender

You comment is not clear , please re-ask in easy language

Manish

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69 Hitesh July 27, 2010 at 7:12 pm

Manish,

Thanls for all the knowledge on PF account. I want start an account.
1. Should i deposit the amount once in a year or monthly (like sip), in other words will i get the interest monthly / quaterly / annually ?
2.Based on above when should invest during the year, in march or some other month to maximise more ?

Thanks
Hitesh

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70 Manish Chauhan July 27, 2010 at 7:40 pm

1) Depends on your comfort , you will get monthly interest calculated .
2) Doesnt matter much , march is good little bit

Manish

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71 Surabhi Rajan August 10, 2010 at 4:21 pm

Hi Manish,

I wish, I could have found your site much earlier. Started reading your articles for the last 2-3 months, but given a great insights to my personal finance. Thanks to Deepak Shenoy, for referring your article. I have started subscribing to JagoInvestor :)

I remember, some of my friends recommended to open a PPF account few years back, and I did it Feb 2007. Invested 500 rs and forgot it. Do the PPF accounts gets locked/disabled, if it left inactive for few years? Will there be any charges to reopen my account? Thanks for your valuable time.

Regards

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72 Manish Chauhan August 10, 2010 at 7:16 pm

Surabhi

Great to have you on Jagoinvestor . Keep commenting.

You have to pay Rs 50 per year to revive your PPF account, so for 3 yrs you pay Rs 150 as penalty .

manish

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73 Dibya Ranjan Mohanty August 18, 2010 at 5:07 pm

i think you have to pay Rs. (500+50)x3 i.e Rs. 1650 in total. 500 per year as minimum deposit and 50 per year as penalty. manish plz clarify in case m wrong here.

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74 Manish Chauhan August 18, 2010 at 5:24 pm

Dibya

Yup , you are correct .

Manish

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75 Somnath Mukherjee August 13, 2010 at 1:29 am

I work in a Public Utility Company, which has its own Trustee based Provident Fund. It pays (currently) 9+% interest per annum of which the income corresponding to 8.5 % is tax free and the tax for the additional amount is deducted at applicable rate from the salary. I heard from somebody who works in a different company with a similar provident fund setup that after normal retirement the money accrued till retirement in the provident fund may be left in the with the trustees earning interest. However the interest is not accrued further and has to be withdrawn regularly.
My question regarding this are as follows:
1) Is this an universal rule or varies with each company trustee?
2) Is the interest paid tax free up to 8.5 % ?
If the answer to the above questions are ‘yes’, then I believe that this scheme surely beats the MIP and SCSS of Indian Post Office.

Would really appreciate, if somebody clarify the same.
Thanking you in anticipation.
Somnath

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76 Manish Chauhan August 15, 2010 at 10:56 am

Somnath

No idea on this . Anyone else ?

Manish

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77 jkinvest August 18, 2010 at 7:43 pm

Hi sir,

8 years ago. I worked for couple of companies 1 year each. now the company is close but I contributed my PF in that companies. after that 5 years ago i joined a company and i paying PF. i am not sure weather my present employer has take the PF amount from previous company. is there a away for me to get access like our “bank statement” from PF office for last 8 years.

thanks

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78 Manish Chauhan August 18, 2010 at 11:16 pm

You should try to contact EPFO office and let them know your PF account numbers for previous employers , I am not sure if they would be able to find it out just by your name, its your lazyness which can cost you some good amount of money in loss.

Manish

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79 Ajit August 25, 2010 at 3:23 am

In reply of the below question,
“2. I read that employer’s contribution goes to pension scheme? Can you please provide details on this aspect or refer some links if it’s already provided by you?”
You have said there is no such contribution from Employer…
Just for your info, Employer’s 12% contribution has 2 component out of which approx 37.6% (confirm this from Google) goes to Employees pension scheme, 1995 and hence only 62.4% is accounted in the contribution towards provident fund.

I would sincerely request you not to provide any wrong info as it may create problem for others.
You have been doing a great job and its completely natural that you may not have answer for something. In that case, take the time and gather the info rather then giving wrong info.
Hope you would take it positively.

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80 Manish Chauhan August 25, 2010 at 8:26 am

Ajit

Thanks for the answer , I am not sure where did I gave wrong information , can you point me to that part in the article ?

Manish

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81 Bijay Agarwal August 27, 2010 at 12:20 pm

Hi Manish,

I have been reading your articles and are all real informative. Thanks for such good information to you and also everyone providing the good quality of QAs in the comments. Few things i wanted help on..

1. After reading your article on why open PPF account early I’m planning to open one. But before doing so I want to know whether is it possible for me to open a PPF account considering I already have an EPF account.

2. Also I might quit job any time and go into higher education so for that case I think it would be better to have a PPF account opened now so that if i dont opt for job later it would be useful, correct me if I am wrong.

3. I want to know is what happens to the EPF account if i quit before 5 years and then later I join job again after few years? can i keep the same account active?

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82 Manish Chauhan August 27, 2010 at 2:04 pm

Bijay

1. PPF and EPF are not related , you have PPF anyways
2. PPF has a long lock in period , it would be better to put your money in some thing liquid where you can withdraw anytime , like mutual funds , try debt oriented mutual funds
3. You can transfer the old account or open a new account and still have old account . You can withdraw from your PF account if you are jobless for 3 months

Manish

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83 Bijay Agarwal August 27, 2010 at 5:01 pm

Thanks. What about interest? Will I get interest for the money when I withdraw it (say I quit at the end of 2 years and i withdraw it after 3 months of quiting job)

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84 Manish Chauhan August 27, 2010 at 5:07 pm

Yes

you will get it , EPF puts the interest accumulated every year :)

Manish

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85 MONJIL August 31, 2010 at 5:38 pm

Well i will do.

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86 Manish Chauhan August 31, 2010 at 6:27 pm
87 Milind Khire September 9, 2010 at 3:53 pm

Hi Manish,

I have contributed to EPF while working with my 4 earlier companies.
I have the EPF No’s but I am not sure whether all these EPF No’s are linked.
Where to find this information?
All these companies are in different states.

Thanks,
Milind

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88 Manish Chauhan September 9, 2010 at 4:44 pm

Milind

You will have to get details from your companies , try writing to EPFO office also , but I am not sure if it will help

Manish

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89 PPF_EPF September 21, 2010 at 1:40 pm

If I already have an EPF account with my employer, can I still open a PPF account? Are they both totally independent accounts?

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90 Manish Chauhan September 21, 2010 at 3:28 pm

Yes they are not related :)

Manish

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91 VIshal Agrawal October 2, 2010 at 4:03 am

Manish,.

How the interest on EPF is calculated i.e. we contribute every month so how EPF trust decide to calculate and also, when EPF is paying 9.5 % interest for 2010-2011 means the amount accumulated till March 2010 right ?

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92 Manish Chauhan October 2, 2010 at 10:23 am

Vishal

As far as I can find out . Interest is Calculated on a monthly basis using the Reducing Balance Method.

The interest for PF is computed on a Reducing Balance method

12% from the Employee
12% from the Employer

From the Employer’s Contribution, a part of the fund is contributed to Employee Pension Scheme (EPS)

Calculation for EPS

1. Rs.6500 * 8.33% (6500 is the maximum ceiling for PF) , this is equal to Rs.541
2. If the Basic+DA is lesser than 6500 then the sum of the two * 8.33%

Whichever is lesser, that amount is contributed to EPS and the Rest is taken to the EPF Account

Source :
http://www.citehr.com/132344-monthly-interest-calculation-provident-fund.html

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93 Venkat October 15, 2010 at 11:47 pm

Hi,

I have question on service break and EPF relation. My EPF is with private PF trust. I am exiting my job and like to take break. Private PF trust tend to push us to withdraw PF upon exit, to avoid interest payment.

I don’t like to withdraw it. How to hold in some EPF account?

Thanks.

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94 Manish Chauhan October 16, 2010 at 2:37 am

Venkat

Thats a tough one for me , I am not sure on this one . EPF in other companies which are mentained by EPFO does not put any restriction on leaving it beside , but not sure if there is any compulsion on pvt PF’s , but why dont you now withdraw it , as keeping it idle will not fetch any interest anyways as per new guidelines :)

Manish

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95 V.Pathak December 14, 2010 at 10:46 pm

Hi,

I have one query when I’ll withdraw amount then it will be transfer in my saving a/c or I have to go bank for withdrawing.For getting amount in saving a/c is it necessary saving and PPF a/c should be have in same branch…Can i operate my PPF a/c in any branch of same bank in india.

Can I check my balance online (net banking)

Please provide your valuable opinion.

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96 Manish Chauhan December 19, 2010 at 12:04 pm

Vikrant

I dont think you can check you balance online from netbanking, your PPF account is an external account to which you can deposit money , but not do balance enquiry .

Also , I am not sure how PPF money is given to the withdrawer ! , let me follow that at forum : http://www.jagoinvestor.com/forum/how-is-ppf-money-given-at-the-time-of-withdrawal/821/

Manish

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97 Manish Awasthi April 22, 2011 at 12:53 pm

Hi Manish,

My friend has a savings account in SBI . He also opened a PPF in SBI.
He is able to see the balance of PPF through internet banking as SBI has linked his savings and PPF account

Manish Awasthi

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98 Manish Chauhan April 22, 2011 at 8:53 pm

Manish

Really ? Thats great to know , thanks for the info , its a valuable thing :)

Manish

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99 rajesh kumar January 10, 2011 at 12:30 pm

hi

Are PPF accounts are transferable from one location to other?

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100 Manish Chauhan January 10, 2011 at 1:06 pm
101 imran khan January 26, 2011 at 11:08 am

its very good,
how can i take my money back?
and when?

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102 Manish Chauhan January 26, 2011 at 6:21 pm

Imran

You can take your money back after 5 yrs in EPF without paying the tax , but if you take it before that , you have to pay tax

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103 Deepa February 17, 2011 at 6:03 pm

Hi Manish

Thanks for the info. I have a PPF and EPF both. I know not much about the investments and tax rebate. But this blog has been really useful to me.

1. Can you please guide me if my employer and me are investing to EPF , do I still have to make investment of 1 lakh every year towards PPF, FDs and others. or the amount for investment will reduce, because certain portion is contributed by my employer towards EPF.
2. Does the FDs done online for 5 years or more in a private bank gets tax rebate?

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104 Manish Chauhan February 19, 2011 at 12:37 pm

Deepa

1) Your contribution towards EPF comes under that limit of 80C , not your employers , so if you are paying 30k in EPF and also your employer ,. then you EPF will be covered , so you have to invest more 70k in other tax saving things.

2) Yes, its not about 5 yrs , check with bank before hand that it qualifies for 80C

Manish

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105 Kirti March 13, 2011 at 7:09 pm

Hello Manish ,

Can you please guide on the Tax benefit on the amount which we keep in PPF account every year ?

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106 Manish Chauhan March 13, 2011 at 11:07 pm

Kirti

Its simple , you get tax benefit under sec 80C on the amount you invest every year . Also when you get the money at the end , you dont pay any tax on that .
What else is the confusion ?

Manish

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107 prashanth April 19, 2011 at 2:00 pm

Ha Manish, Can a person continue to invest Rs 70000 in his PPF account even after 15 years

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108 Manish Chauhan April 20, 2011 at 5:17 pm

Prashanth

Yes, you can extend your PPF account for block of 5 yrs after maturity and you can do it for any number of times

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109 prashanth April 20, 2011 at 8:17 pm

Ha Manish, thanks for the prompt reply,after reading this article, i was under the impression that one can invest for only 15 times in life time and later should extend the account without further payments.

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110 vinod kumar May 12, 2011 at 1:35 pm

hi
i am vinod kumar ! physiotherapist. before i was working in udaipur were i had ppf account in sbi .now i relocated to bangalore ! so please can u tell me i can transfer my that ppf account to banglore ! and also i have not deposited any money in 2010 so will my account be be terminated !
please help me regarding this !
thank u!

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111 Manish Chauhan May 13, 2011 at 12:31 am

Vinod

First , to transfer your PPF account, you will have to fill some forms and get its transferred to other place .

Your account will not be terminated , but you have to pay the penalty of Rs 50

Manish

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112 Nikhil May 17, 2011 at 11:28 am

Hi Manish,

Wanna to know more abt EPF, as I heard that if you invest more than 12% of ur Basic Salary then that amt will be consider under taxable slab, is it correct ?

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113 Manish Chauhan May 17, 2011 at 4:54 pm

NIkhil

Yes ,. your contribution of 12% towards EPF is not taxed as it falls under 80C .

Manish

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114 Nikhil May 17, 2011 at 6:02 pm

Manish,

12% is by default by Govn, my que is that if we contribute more than 12%, let say 15% of Basic Sal will that amt interest will be taxable or at max 12% of basic sal can be shown under tax exemption .

Thanks,
Nikhil

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115 Manish Chauhan May 17, 2011 at 8:03 pm

Nikhil

only 12% of basic is allowed for tax deduction . Not more than that :)

Manish

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116 Sohan Sharma May 31, 2011 at 2:51 pm

I worked in BSL Project,Field Mechanical DnII,Sundernagar.H.P during 1972-76.I have only an EPF deduction slip Ref.No. HL-26D/1143. I have approached the authorities to release the amount due to me. It seems they have difficulty in tracing. Please advise as to how this ref.no.can help.The authorities,however have been able to authenticate my Service Book record.
Regards,
Sohan Sharma

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117 Paresh June 3, 2011 at 10:42 am

Dear Mr. Manish,
Thanks for the great info…!!!

I’ve no PPF account yet, but I’m looking for that. There are 99.99% info I’ve gathered about PPF, still one thing confuse me, If I open PPF account and starting investing every year. But what if I’m not able to invest in one year? PPF will accept this break? And can I started investing from very next year?

Pls. guide.

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118 madan June 14, 2011 at 11:59 am

What happens to PPF account after maturity? does is still continues or we have to open new account.

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119 Manish Chauhan June 14, 2011 at 1:09 pm

Madan

You can again continue it blocks of 5 yrs for any number of time .

Manish

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120 Mansi September 28, 2011 at 4:32 am

You are a champ…Yaar

Thanks.

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121 Manish Chauhan September 29, 2011 at 9:07 am

Mansi

Thanks

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122 Gaurav Garg July 21, 2011 at 6:16 pm

hi manish…
the content you provided was very helpful. will yu plz tell me whats the minimum required age to open this ppf account??
reply soon.
GAURAV GARG

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123 Manish Chauhan July 22, 2011 at 1:48 pm

Gaurav

Any one can open a PPF account , if its a minor (less than 18 yrs) then there should be a guardian

manish

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124 Vinay Joshi September 15, 2011 at 3:30 pm

Hi Manish,

I’m contributing around Rs. 3000 per month towards VPF since May 2011. Kindly let me know the withdrawl rules for VPF. That is, till when, the money in VPF will be locked in? Also let me know if there is any problem if I stops making contribution to VPF. In that case, how long will I continue to get intrest on the sum accumulated in VPF.

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125 Don October 6, 2011 at 10:47 am

Hi Manish
Can I open a PPF account, through online. (without even going to the Bank)

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126 Manish Chauhan October 6, 2011 at 12:25 pm

Don

No , you will have to go to the Bank/PO once atleast

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127 tulsi October 18, 2011 at 12:52 pm

hi ,

can i deposit every month some nominal amount towards PPF. What are the with drawal process..

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128 Manish Chauhan October 23, 2011 at 9:12 pm

Tulsi

Yes you make payments every month .. no issues .. note that you can withdraw your money only after 6 yrs ..

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129 Prasun October 19, 2011 at 5:20 pm

Hi Manish,

Thanks 4 ur blog.

If i cannot deposit money online, is there any option to change ur PPF account to different banks and different states when u get transfered?

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130 Manish Chauhan October 23, 2011 at 1:00 pm

Prasun

IN that case yes, you can transfer PPF to the city where you reside

Manish

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131 Ramesh November 4, 2011 at 5:05 pm

Hi Manish,
My PF withdrawl claim was submitted to Mumbai Bandra office during Jan 2011, but till date it is not processed ? My colleages reasigned after me, got their PF, they have received their amount. My status claim is always shows it is under processing. Raised a grevience and sent mail to RTI but there is no reply/status update. What shall I do to get my money back ? I know, this not an appropriate forum to ask but, if you guide me, it will be very much helpful.

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132 Manish Chauhan November 5, 2011 at 12:57 pm

Ramesh

Actually my personal PF is also pending :) .. i have not done anything till now. you said you filed an RTI application , what happened to that ? There should be some response for that ?

Manish

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133 Manish Awasthi November 5, 2011 at 1:58 pm

WOW…… PF is pending for finacial coach like u dats intersting…………..

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134 Ananda Kumar November 12, 2011 at 11:12 am

Its good and explained to the roots.
Keep us updating

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135 saurabh November 27, 2011 at 2:01 pm

Hi Manish,

Very useful article u have written. I would like to know the total return amount after 15 years if i would invest 1000 in a year consistently.

Saurabh

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136 Anish November 28, 2011 at 9:36 pm

Hi Manish,

Thank you for your valuable information.
Here is my query. What happens if, say after 5 years, something happens to me and am not able to continue my contribution to PPF? Will my family have to wait for 15 years to get back the whole money I have deposited?

Anish

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137 Manish Chauhan November 29, 2011 at 1:20 pm

Anish

Your PPF can be withdrawn before the lock in period , incase of your DEATH .

You need to contribute 500 every year to continue the PPF account

Manish

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138 Anish November 29, 2011 at 5:55 pm

Thank you for the info Manish!

Anish

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139 kausik s December 1, 2011 at 11:03 pm

Manish, Today my friend talk about ppf account. I have no idea , and i visit ur blog and know everything about ppf account not to even asking my friend or my boss, very useful/helpful information ,, Thanks

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140 Manish Chauhan December 4, 2011 at 7:09 pm

Kaushik

Good to hear that . read more and you will learn more soon !

manish

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141 Alok Ranjan Tripathy December 7, 2011 at 4:49 pm

Hi Manish,
Thank u for your Valuable information.
my query is about withdrawn premature ppf plz clear my doubt i.e “premature ppf allowed to with drawn 50% of the balance at d end of 4th year , preceding d yr in which d amt is withdrawn or end of the preceding yr which ever is lower ” i don’t getting this plz confirm me details by giving an example.

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142 Manish Chauhan December 7, 2011 at 11:26 pm

Alok

Suppose you start PPF account in 2010 , then you can only start withdrawing after 2014 . Now the rule is if you want to withdraw in year X , then you can withdraw only 50% of the balance at the end of X-2 year . so if you want to withdraw in 2020 and your balance is 10 lacs , but if your balance in 2018 was 2 lacs , then you can only withdraw 50% of 2 lacs , which is only 1 lac

Manish

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143 sushil k kamat December 17, 2011 at 12:00 pm

Respect sir

I want to invest my money for the 3 or 3.5 year. please suggest you me best plan for my childern after 3.5 yr I want to long term invest

kindly suggest me best plan for me

sushil

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144 Manish Chauhan December 17, 2011 at 12:32 pm

Sushil

What is your risk appetite ?

Manish

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145 mehatajreshma December 25, 2011 at 3:15 pm

Hai,

I just need a clear knowledge of EPF & PPF such as EPF benefits , loan benefits ,retire ment benefits, how to withdraw pf amount and how much amount i will get after withdrawing. And i also need terms & conditions of withdrawing pf amount. And as well as ESIC too.

Mehatajreshma

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146 Manish Chauhan December 26, 2011 at 9:13 am

You can ask your questions at : http://www.jagoinvestor.com/forum/

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147 Vaibhav December 28, 2011 at 5:48 pm

Hi Manish,
I have some doubts rearding PPF account.
1. What is the blocking period of the PPF account ?
2. What is the procedure to get maximum benefits for the account , depositing montly or in the month of march or in the month of april of the same financial year ?

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148 Manish Chauhan December 28, 2011 at 9:42 pm

Vaibhav

1. 15 yrs
2. Depositing in the starting of the year in Mar

Manish

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149 Virender Virdi December 30, 2011 at 2:06 pm

Hi Manish,

I am an avid reader of your blog and great suggestions from you. Just wanted to know if it is good to have the EPF transferred or withdrawn while joining a new company. What are the pros and cons.

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150 Manish Chauhan December 30, 2011 at 6:19 pm

VIrender

You should transfer it to new company , that would be good from long term perspective .. but even withdrawing and then reinvesting it in PPF or some other long term product is good .. Just make sure you dont withdraw and use it for unneccessary thing

Manish

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151 vijay January 8, 2012 at 1:00 pm

hello manish sir,
amazed to see you helping every one. thank u so much.
i want to know, i want to invest some amount monthly and want my investment back after ten year. is it be good to invest in ppf if no, then where should i invest.
secondly does they charge us some money if we with draw money before 15 years in ppf

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152 Manish Chauhan January 9, 2012 at 10:35 am

Vijay

PPF has a lock in of 15 yrs.. but you can take out money partially after 6yrs ..

Manish

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153 rajesh singh January 27, 2012 at 4:11 pm

hi manish,
gud to c u to help people.
i hve a Qn about ppf
1)can i deposit uneven amt every year eg.2000 ist year 4000 2nd year.
2) is it compulsory to deposit 500 every year.
3)can i withdraw all money after 15 year.
4)is ppf a gud option for tax saving.
with regards.

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154 Manish Chauhan January 28, 2012 at 11:32 am

Rajesh

1. Yes
2. Yes (but if you dont do it , you will have to pay penalty later)
3. Yes
4. There cant be a “YES” or “NO” for this ..

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155 Dharmanand Pant February 3, 2012 at 9:38 am

Hi Manish,

I want to invest in PPF. I have a few questions.

1. If I invest 60,000 in Feb 2012, will the complete amount be exempted for my tax calculation. I am already paying 37,500 towards LIC. My salary package is 3.4 K.
2. If I keep investing 60,000 yearly for 15 yrs (and not withdrawing anything until the maturity) what will be the total amount i will get.
3. How much time it can take to open an PPF account.

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156 Dharmanand Pant February 3, 2012 at 9:44 am

Also,

1. if I invest 60,000 on March 2012, will tax exemption be on 60,000 or 60,000+interest.
2. Is interest compound ?

Reply

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