PF vs PPF: Which is the Best Option?

Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) is generally referred to as PF. This fund exists to help employees accumulate a considerable sum for their retirement. PF is a government-backed scheme and offers an attractive rate of return. We have covered the following in this article:

1. What is EPF?

Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) is a compulsory deduction in the salaries of employees working in the eligible organisations. This amount is deposited into the EPF account of the employee, and the employer shall also contribute with a certain amount. The main intention of EPF is to help employees save and accumulate a significant sum of money for their retired life so that they remain financially independent. EPF is managed by the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) as per the Employees’ Provident Fund and Miscellaneous Act, 1952. The amount in the EPF account earns an attractive rate of return, and it is much higher than what a regular savings bank account provides. If an employee wants to contribute a higher amount than the minimum required contribution, then that excess contribution is termed as ‘Voluntary Provident Fund’. However, the employer’s contribution will still remain the same. The EPF contributions are eligible for tax deductions under the provisions of Section 80C of the Income Tax Act, 1961.

2. What is PPF?

Public Provident Fund (PPF) is a popular savings scheme offered by the government. It is one of the most popular tax-saving investment options covered under Section 80C. The main reason behind the introduction of PPF is to help individuals working in all sectors (including informal jobs) save and invest small amounts whenever they want. The PPF account offers a higher return than savings bank accounts. The catch here is that the investments in PPF accounts are lock-in for a period of 15 years. One can invest a maximum of Rs 1,50,000 a year or Rs 12,500 a month. A minimum investment amount of Rs 500 should be compulsorily made in a year. The taxpayers can avail tax deductions of up to Rs 1,50,000 a year and can save up to Rs 46,800 in taxes.

3. Comparison of PF with PPF

4.The better option of the two

Both EPF and PPF come with their set of pros and cons. One significant benefit of EPF is that it is transferable across employers and partial withdrawals are available on certain conditions. With EPF, you don’t have to go through the hassle of depositing the money from your savings account as it is deducted directly from the salary. One drawback of EPF is that the contribution is compulsory every month. On the other hand, PPF offers a much-needed relief as you can contribute whenever you can. However, the lock-in period of 15 years might sometime seem too long. You can avail loan against the balance in your PPF account. The maturity proceeds received from both EPF and PPF accounts are tax-free.

5.Conclusion

Both PPF and EPF are government schemes. They are tax-saving options covered under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act, 1961. The sovereign guarantee backs both the schemes and individuals can choose the one that seems suitable for them.