20/08/2026
A Public Provident Fund (PPF) account is a long-term, government-backed savings and investment scheme in India. It offers a safe way to build a retirement corpus or save for major life goals while providing guaranteed, tax-free returns and tax deductions under Section 80C.
Key Features of a PPF Account
Tenure: 15 years, which can be extended in blocks of 5 years.
Investment Limits: Minimum ₹500 and maximum ₹1.5 lakh per financial year.
Interest Rate: Set by the central government and compounded annually (currently 7.1% per annum).
Tax Benefits (EEE Status):
Contributions qualify for Section 80C deductions (under the old tax regime), and both the accumulated interest and maturity amount are completely tax-free.
Liquidity & Loans:
Partial withdrawals are allowed starting from the 7th financial year, and you can take a loan against your balance between the 3rd and 6th financial years.