PPF Withdrawal Rules on Partial or Complete Withdrawal

Did you know that the Public Provident Fund (PPF) was introduced in 1968 to help individuals grow their savings? It not only offers tax benefits on the interest earned but also serves as a reliable way to build wealth. With an interest rate of 7.1%, it’s essential to understand the PPF withdrawal rules.

This blog post will take you through the options for both complete and partial withdrawals, enabling you to make informed decisions about your financial future.

Rules of PPF withdrawal 

The PPF withdrawal rules differ based on whether you access your funds partially during the tenure or completely after maturity:

What is a partial withdrawal of PPF?

As an investor, you can make your first partial withdrawal of PPF after completing 7 years from the end of the financial year in which you made your initial deposit. However, the main question that will come to your mind is how much PF can be withdrawn during this period. 

Well, you can withdraw up to 50% of the balance available at the end of the 4th year preceding the withdrawal year. For example, if you request a partial withdrawal in 2025, you can withdraw up to 50% of your balance as it was on 31st March 2024, provided your account was opened before 2019. 

This partial withdrawal facility is specifically useful for meeting short-term financial needs without closing your account.

What is a PPF complete withdrawal?

You can make a complete withdrawal from your PPF account only after the maturity period of 15 years. At maturity, you will have three options:

1. Withdraw the entire amount and close your account
2. Extend your account for blocks of 5 years with continued deposits
3. Extend without making additional deposits while continuing to earn interest

During the extension period, you gain more flexibility with your withdrawals. You can make one withdrawal each year without any limit on the amount. This makes your PPF more accessible while keeping the tax benefits intact. 

PPF extension on maturity

If you wish to continue your PPF account after its maturity, you have the option to extend it in blocks of 5 years in the following ways:

1. Extension with contributions

This option allows contributions to the account after submitting Form H within one year of its original maturity date. If you don’t submit the form, your account will be ineligible for further contributions. The new deposits earn interest at the prevailing PPF rate and offer tax benefits under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act, 1961. 

2. Extension without contributions

If you don’t want to make further deposits, you can continue the account and earn interest on the existing balance. 

Note: There’s no limit to the number of extensions, provided each is in a 5-year block.

PPF withdrawal rules after extension

The PPF withdrawal rules after extension are as follows:

1. With contributions

Extending the PPF account with contributions allows one withdrawal per year during the 5-year extension period. The withdrawal amount is limited to 60% of the balance at the start of the extension period. For instance, if your PPF account has Rs. 10 lakhs, you can withdraw up to Rs. 6 lakhs (60% of the amount), either as a lump sum or in installments. These withdrawals are tax-free under Section 80C. 

2. Without contributions

If you extend the account without contribution, you can withdraw any amount once a year. The remaining balance will continue to earn interest and grow your savings. 

What is the process to withdraw the PPF amount?

There are two ways to withdraw PPF amount: offline and online. Here’s how to withdraw the PF amount offline: 

• Visit your bank or post office branch
• Submit Form C (partial withdrawal)
• Provide your PPF passbook and identity proof

Here’s how to withdraw the PF amount online:

• Log in to your internet banking
• Go to the PPF section
• Select the withdrawal option and amount
• Complete verification (sometimes will require visiting the branch)

Conclusion

The rules for partial withdrawal of PPF offer you flexibility while maintaining the long-term savings discipline that makes PPF an excellent investment option. Before making any withdrawal, it’s important to carefully assess your financial needs and understand how it will impact your overall savings.

To explore more investment opportunities with expert guidance, visit the Tata Capital Moneyfy website or download our app today!