Looking for the perfect guide on how to open a PPF account? You’ve come to the right place! Opening a PPF account can be a great future investment for people. The Public Provident Fund (PPF) is a widely popular investment and savings plan. Individuals that invest in the account might also profit from tax benefits. This scheme was launched by the Finance Ministry, the national savings institute, in 1968. The scheme’s primary goal is to assist consumers in making small deposits and provide returns on those investments.
If you wish to enjoy the benefits of a PPF account, you can read all about how to open a PPF account below.
PPF
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PPF Account Benefits
Before we get into how to open a PPF account, let’s first understand how it can benefit your financial planning. Know here the PPF account benefits, which are detailed below:
Investment Protection
PPF users can expect assured returns because it is a government-backed savings plan. Furthermore, because it is not market-linked, it protects investors’ financial needs. There is very less risk of losing your investment returns with a PPF account. As a result, the PPF scheme is appropriate for investors who like a diverse investment portfolio but have a modest risk appetite.
Tax Benefits
This scheme is eligible for tax savings under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act of 1961. You can claim tax deductions on the capital invested up to Rs.1,50,000. Furthermore, the PPF program is based on the EEE taxation paradigm. As a result, both the maturity amount and the earned interest are tax-free for investors.
Loan Against Investment
A PPF offers its investors the opportunity to borrow money against their investment. You can apply for this loan between the third and sixth year after your account is activated.
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How to Open a PPF Account?
Learning how to open a PPF account has become relatively easy thanks to the convenient online procedure. You can open a PPF account from the comfort of your home. Here are the documents you need while opening your account:
- Your proof of identity, e.g. AADHAR card, PAN card, Passport, Voter ID or your driving license
- Two passport size photographs
- Address proof, e.g. Aadhar card, ration card or electricity bill.
- If you are applying offline, you also require a signed cheque.
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Saving vs Investing
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Here’s How to open a PPF account Online
Opening a PPF account online requires a savings account with a registered bank. To avail of the online services of opening a PPF account, your bank must have internet services or mobile banking services available. Follow these steps to learn how to open a PPF account online.
Step 1: Go to the bank’s internet banking/mobile banking interface and log in to your account.
Step 2: Choose “Open a PPF Account” from the drop-down menu.
Step 3: Locate and select the “Self Account” option.
Step 4: Complete an application form by providing the relevant information. Before submitting, double-check all information.
Step 5: Determine how much you want to put into your PPF account each year.
Step 6: You can also set up standing instructions to automatically transfer this amount from your savings account to your PPF account.
Step 7: Submit this form after a thorough examination. Your registered cellphone number will, after that, receive an OTP. To validate your identity and authorize this transaction, please submit it.
Step 8: Finally, you will receive an SMS message on your registered mobile number and email indicating successful account creation.
Here’s How to Open a PPF Account Offline
If you do not wish to open a PPF account online, you can always opt for the offline method. Follow these steps to open your PPF account offline
Step 1: The first step is to ensure you have a savings account with a registered bank. Ensure you are carrying all of the necessary documentation required to start a PPF account.
Step 2: Go to your bank’s nearest branch.
Step 3: You will be asked to complete an application form by the bank representative.
Step 4: Complete this form and submit it with the necessary PPF account documents
Conclusion
By now, you probably have some idea about the benefits of a PPF account and how to open a PPF account. The numerous benefits of the PPF account make it such a popular choice of investment amongst financially smart individuals. This kind of investment is one of the safest options in the market. Over time you can get decent fixed returns on your investment, and these returns are eligible for tax benefits.
Make sure you have the right information before making crucial decisions like this that affect your future. You can visit Investment Simplified for this and other investment-related concerns you may have. Visit their website to start making informed investment decisions today!
