PPF Accounts: Why Experts Advise Investing Before April 5th The Public Provident Fund (PPF) is a popular long-term investment option in India, offering tax benefits and guaranteed returns. With a 15-year lock-in period, investors cannot withdraw funds during this time, though they can extend the tenure by an additional 5 years. As of the April-June 2026 quarter, the interest rate for PPF accounts stands at 7.1%. Financial experts recommend investing in PPF accounts before April 5th to maximize returns, as the interest calculation for the year begins on this date. The timing of the investment is critical. If an individual deposits funds before April 5th, the interest for the entire year is applied immediately. However, if the investment is made after this date, the interest calculation starts from the following month, resulting in a loss of one month’s return. For example, investing 1.5 lakh rupees before April 5th could yield approximately 10,650 rupees in interest for the year. In contrast, depositing the same amount on April 6th would result in interest for only 11 months, totaling around 9,763 rupees. This difference of 887 rupees may seem small, but over 15 years, the compounding effect of interest significantly amplifies the gap. The compounding benefit of early investments becomes evident over the long term. If an individual invests 1.5 lakh rupees annually at the start of each year, the total investment over 15 years would amount to 22.5 lakh rupees. With compounding, the maturity value could reach approximately 40.68 lakh rupees, generating around 18.18 lakh rupees in interest. Conversely, delaying investments by a year reduces the total maturity value to about 37.80 lakh rupees, with interest earnings dropping to 15.31 lakh rupees.#india #interest_rate #public_provident_fund #financial_experts #compounding_effect
Loan Against PPF Account: Interest Rates, Repayment Terms, and Application Process A Public Provident Fund (PPF) account holder can take a loan against their account, subject to specific rules and conditions. The scheme allows borrowers to access funds in emergencies while maintaining the tax benefits of the PPF. The loan is a short-term facility, with repayment required within 36 months. The interest rate for the loan is 7.1% annually, and the repayment terms are structured to ensure timely settlement. To qualify for a loan, the account must have been opened for at least seven financial years. Borrowers can apply for the loan from the third to sixth financial year of account opening. The application process requires submitting Form D, which can be obtained from the bank or post office branch where the account is held. Along with the form, applicants must provide their account number, the loan amount, and a copy of their passbook. The maximum loan amount is 25% of the account balance as of the end of the previous financial year. For example, if the account balance was ₹1.5 lakh in the previous year, the borrower can take a loan up to ₹37,500. The loan can be repaid either in a single lump sum or in installments. However, if the borrower fails to repay the loan within the stipulated period, higher interest rates apply. The repayment terms include a 1% annual interest rate on the principal loan amount. This interest can be paid in two monthly installments. If the loan is not fully repaid within 36 months, the outstanding amount attracts an annual interest rate of 6%. This higher rate applies until the loan is fully settled. In cases of default, the outstanding loan amount is deducted directly from the PPF account balance.#public_provident_fund #form_d #loan_amount #repayment_terms #interest_rate
