PPF (Public Provident Fund) Calculator
Plan your Public Provident Fund investments and track returns
View All Tools →What is Public Provident Fund (PPF)?
India's most trusted long-term savings scheme
The Public Provident Fund (PPF) is a government-backed savings scheme introduced in 1968 to mobilize small savings for national development while offering citizens a safe, tax-efficient investment option. With a 15-year lock-in period, PPF is ideal for long-term goals like retirement, children's education, or building a risk-free corpus.
Current Interest Rate
Minimum Tenure
Max Annual Deposit
Tax Status
PPF Tax Benefits (EEE Status)
Triple tax exemption for maximum savings
Exempt on Investment
Deposits up to ₹1.5 lakh per year qualify for tax deduction under Section 80C. Save up to ₹46,800 in taxes (30% bracket).
Exempt on Interest
All interest earned is completely tax-free. Unlike FD interest which is taxable, PPF interest adds to your wealth without any tax liability.
Exempt on Maturity
The entire maturity amount (principal + interest) is tax-free. You receive 100% of your accumulated wealth without any deductions.
Important PPF Rules & Features
Everything you need to know about PPF investment
📋 Deposit Rules
- •Minimum deposit: ₹500 per year
- •Maximum deposit: ₹1.5 lakh per year
- •Up to 12 deposits allowed per year
- •Deposit before 5th of month for that month's interest
💰 Withdrawal & Loan Rules
- •Loan available from 3rd to 6th financial year
- •Partial withdrawal from 7th year onwards
- •Premature closure for specific reasons after 5 years
- •Extension in 5-year blocks after maturity
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about PPF
What is PPF (Public Provident Fund)?
PPF is a government-backed 15-year savings scheme offering guaranteed returns with complete tax exemption. It's one of the safest investment options in India, ideal for risk-averse investors and long-term wealth building.
Is PPF better than FD for long-term savings?
For tax-adjusted returns, PPF typically outperforms FDs. While FD interest is fully taxable, PPF offers tax-free returns. A 7.1% PPF return is equivalent to a 10%+ FD return for those in the 30% tax bracket.
Can NRIs open a PPF account?
NRIs cannot open new PPF accounts. However, if an existing PPF holder becomes an NRI, they can continue the account till maturity but cannot extend it. The account remains eligible for interest until maturity.
What happens if I miss a yearly deposit?
If you fail to deposit the minimum ₹500 in a year, your account becomes inactive. To reactivate, you need to pay ₹500 per year of default plus a ₹50 penalty per year. The account continues to earn interest during this period.
Can I have multiple PPF accounts?
No, an individual can have only one PPF account in their name. If multiple accounts are discovered, the extra accounts are merged, and excess deposits over ₹1.5 lakh don't earn interest.
Pro Tips for PPF Investment
Maximize your PPF returns with these strategies
Deposit Before 5th
Always deposit before the 5th of each month. Interest is calculated on the minimum balance between 5th and end of month.
Invest Full ₹1.5 Lakh
Maximize your annual contribution to ₹1.5 lakh for full Section 80C benefit and maximum compound interest over 15 years.
Extend After Maturity
Consider extending your PPF in 5-year blocks. You can continue earning tax-free interest with or without additional contributions.