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NRI PPF Account: Continue or Withdraw?

Milind

Milind Vadjikar  |1238 Answers  |Ask -

Insurance, Stocks, MF, PF Expert - Answered on Oct 10, 2024

Milind Vadjikar is an independent MF distributor registered with Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI) and a retirement financial planning advisor registered with Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA).
He has a mechanical engineering degree from Government Engineering College, Sambhajinagar, and an MBA in international business from the Symbiosis Institute of Business Management, Pune.
With over 16 years of experience in stock investments, and over six year experience in investment guidance and support, he believes that balanced asset allocation and goal-focused disciplined investing is the key to achieving investor goals.... more
Pratik Question by Pratik on Oct 09, 2024Hindi
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Dear Anil, I am having PPF account since 2011 and I become NRI on October 2019 and was contributing 1.5 Lacs per annum, but as per new rule I am not eligible for further interest on my account, I want to know whether it is advisable to continue PPF account until maturity or should I withdraw it now and parked same amount to some MF/FD. and also if I withdraw it now, shall it be taxable income or not? and even If I withdraw on Maturity shall it be taxable or tax free? Now since no benefit of Interest how can I keep account active if I will wait till maturity?

Ans: Hello;

No need to wait till maturity.

You should pre-close your PPF account and divert funds to other investment avenues.

Yes it will remain tax free premature withdrawal due to change in residency status.

Happy Investing!!
DISCLAIMER: The content of this post by the expert is the personal view of the rediffGURU. Users are advised to pursue the information provided by the rediffGURU only as a source of information to be as a point of reference and to rely on their own judgement when making a decision.
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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8610 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 26, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Feb 15, 2024Hindi
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Hello Sir, I had opened a PPF account in the year 2004, wherein I deposited at least Rs 10,000 per annum in each year till the year 2018. Subsequent to 2018, I did not deposit any further amount in my PPF account. Currently, my PPF account is treated as dormant, however every year interest is credited to my PPF account. I have not withdrawn from my PPF account so far. I have been advised to withdraw my PPF balance and close my account. My questions are as follows: 1) Is the interest income of PPF interest accrued so far, taxable and whether to be disclosed in the income tax returns? 2) Can I change the status of my PPF account from dormant to active? What are the documents required for it and the procedures involved? 3) If I choose to close my PPF account, will the PPF proceeds be subject to deduction of tax? 4) If I choose to continue with my PPF account without making any contributions, will it earn interest till the date of closure of PPF account? Thanks in advance.
Ans: Thank you for your detailed inquiry. Let’s address each of your concerns step-by-step to help you make an informed decision regarding your PPF account.

1. Tax Implications of PPF Interest Income
Tax Exemption Status
Public Provident Fund (PPF) is one of the most tax-efficient investment options in India. The interest accrued on PPF is completely tax-free under Section 10(11) of the Income Tax Act, 1961.

Reporting in Income Tax Returns
Since the interest earned on PPF is tax-free, you are not required to disclose this interest income in your income tax returns. This holds true as long as the PPF account remains active or dormant, and interest continues to be credited.

2. Reactivating Your Dormant PPF Account
Procedure to Reactivate
To change the status of your PPF account from dormant to active, follow these steps:

Submit a Written Request: Visit your bank or post office where the PPF account is held and submit a written request to reactivate the account.

Pay the Minimum Contribution: You will need to pay the minimum annual contribution of Rs 500 for each year the account was dormant. Since your account has been dormant since 2018, calculate the total contribution required (Rs 500 per year x number of dormant years).

Penalty Payment: A penalty of Rs 50 per inactive year is also required.

Submit Required Documents: Provide necessary documents such as your PPF passbook and identity proof.

Documents Required
PPF Passbook
Identity Proof (Aadhar, PAN, etc.)
Written application for reactivation
Once these steps are completed, your account will be reactivated and you can continue making contributions.

3. Closing Your PPF Account
Procedure to Close the Account
If you choose to close your PPF account, visit the bank or post office where your account is held and submit a closure application. You will need to fill out Form C (Application for Withdrawal) and submit it along with your PPF passbook and identity proof.

Tax Implications on Closure
The proceeds from your PPF account, including the principal and interest earned, are completely tax-free. There is no tax deduction on the amount received upon closure.

4. Continuing the Dormant PPF Account
Interest Accrual on Dormant Account
Even if you do not make any further contributions, your PPF account will continue to earn interest until it matures. The interest rate is set by the government and is subject to periodic changes. This interest will continue to be credited to your account annually until the maturity date.

Evaluating Your Options
Reactivating vs. Continuing Dormant
Reactivating: This option allows you to continue benefiting from the tax-free returns of PPF by making the minimum contributions and paying the penalty. It keeps the account active and provides flexibility for future contributions.

Continuing Dormant: If you prefer not to make further contributions but want to keep earning interest, allowing the account to remain dormant is a viable option. The account will continue to grow with interest until maturity.

Closing the Account
If you need immediate access to funds or prefer to invest elsewhere, closing the account is straightforward and tax-efficient. The full amount received will be tax-free.

Strategic Recommendations
Diversify Investments
While PPF is a secure and tax-efficient investment, consider diversifying your portfolio for better returns. Options include:

Mutual Funds: Actively managed mutual funds can offer higher returns compared to PPF.
Equity Investments: For higher risk tolerance, equity investments provide potential for significant growth.
Maintain a Balanced Portfolio
A balanced portfolio includes a mix of fixed-income securities like PPF and higher-growth investments like mutual funds and equities. This strategy optimizes returns while managing risk.

Final Thoughts
Your decision should align with your financial goals and liquidity needs. Reactivating the account provides flexibility, while continuing with a dormant account or closing it can meet immediate financial needs.

Conclusion
Your PPF account offers flexibility and tax-free returns, making it a valuable part of your portfolio. Whether you choose to reactivate, continue as dormant, or close the account, each option has its benefits.

Tax-free Interest: PPF interest remains tax-free.
Reactivation: Pay contributions and penalties to reactivate.
Closure: Tax-free proceeds upon closing the account.
Dormant: Interest continues until maturity.
Make an informed decision based on your financial goals and requirements.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

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Hello sir I am getting cse in Chandigarh University and Jaypee noida 68 which is better and I have also applied for the thapar will I get computer engineering with 85 percentile in the jee mains and the 95.4 in boards
Ans: Aditya, With an 85 percentile in JEE Mains and 95.4% in 12th boards, securing Computer Engineering at Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology (TIET) is unlikely, as the expected cutoff for outside Punjab candidates is around 94.47 percentile. However, branches like Electronics & Communication Engineering (ECE) or Electrical and Computer Engineering (EEC) may be attainable.
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At Jaypee Institute of Information Technology (JIIT), Noida, the closing rank for CSE is around 51,000 (approximately 95 percentile), making admission less likely with your current percentile.

Recommendation: Prioritize Chandigarh University for CSE due to its robust placement record and higher likelihood of admission. Consider TIET for alternative branches like ECE or EEC, and explore other institutions where your percentile aligns with the cutoff requirements. All the BEST for your Admission & Prosperous Future!

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8610 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 30, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - May 30, 2025
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My Salary is 78000 per month and I have house rent 20500 and 17000 emi and 15000 monthly expenses other emis 15000 and iam unable to save please suggest
Ans: You are facing a very common challenge. Many earn well but struggle to save. The good part is that you are aware and looking for a solution. That’s the first important step.

Let me now give you a 360-degree analysis and practical advice to help you manage better.

 
 
1. Monthly Income and Expense Breakdown

Your salary is Rs. 78,000 per month.
 
 

House rent is Rs. 20,500.
 
 

EMI for one loan is Rs. 17,000.
 
 

Other EMIs total Rs. 15,000.
 
 

Monthly living expenses are Rs. 15,000.
 
 

After these, almost nothing is left.
 
 

There is no saving happening right now. But small adjustments can bring big changes.
 
 
2. Rent Expense Evaluation

Rent is the biggest cost. Rs. 20,500 is over 26% of your income.
 
 

Ideally, rent should not exceed 20% of income.
 
 

Check if slightly cheaper home is available.
 
 

A Rs. 3,000 to Rs. 4,000 saving in rent helps.
 
 

Shifting may feel hard. But it gives monthly relief.
 
 

Stay near public transport to reduce travel cost also.
 
 

Even small rent change brings long-term benefits.
 
 
3. EMI Consolidation Strategy

You have Rs. 32,000 total EMI every month.
 
 

This is over 40% of your income. That is too high.
 
 

Ideally, EMI should be under 30% of income.
 
 

Check if some loans are high-interest short-term loans.
 
 

If possible, combine all EMIs into one with lower interest.
 
 

Talk to your bank about loan consolidation options.
 
 

Even 2–3% interest reduction will help monthly cash flow.
 
 

Loan restructuring gives breathing space.
 
 
4. Monthly Expenses Assessment

You spend Rs. 15,000 monthly for all needs.
 
 

This looks reasonable, but break it down category-wise.
 
 

Note how much goes to groceries, mobile, subscriptions, fuel, etc.
 
 

Use a simple mobile app to track. Or a paper log.
 
 

You may find Rs. 1,000–2,000 saving opportunity easily.
 
 

Cancel unused services like OTT or apps.
 
 

Prepare weekly shopping list. Avoid impulse purchases.
 
 

Every rupee saved adds up.
 
 
5. Surrender Low-Return Insurance Policies (if any)

Do you hold any LIC, ULIP or endowment plan?
 
 

These plans mix insurance with investment. They give poor returns.
 
 

If held for more than 3 years, check surrender value.
 
 

If suitable, surrender and reduce premium load.
 
 

Take separate term insurance if not already done.
 
 

Reinvest in SIP when your cash flow improves.
 
 

This step will free up space in your budget.
 
 
6. Start Emergency Fund, Even Small

You may feel saving is impossible now.
 
 

But even Rs. 500–1000/month is a start.
 
 

Keep this money in a separate savings account.
 
 

Don’t touch unless it’s urgent.
 
 

Over time, it builds up to 3–6 months of expenses.
 
 

Emergency fund avoids fresh loans in future.
 
 

Even small savings matter. Start tiny, but stay regular.
 
 
7. Avoid New Loans or EMI Purchases

Say no to credit card EMIs or online EMIs.
 
 

These temptations disturb cash flow and cause stress.
 
 

If you need anything, plan and save first.
 
 

Delay buying until you have money.
 
 

EMI-free life feels peaceful and light.
 
 

Self-control today brings freedom tomorrow.
 
 
8. Health and Life Insurance Priority

Health emergency can break your finances.
 
 

Take a personal health insurance cover.
 
 

Group cover from employer is not always enough.
 
 

Also take a low-cost term life insurance.
 
 

Do not mix insurance with investments.
 
 

Term plan protects family. Premium is affordable.
 
 

Insurance is not optional. It’s your safety net.
 
 
9. Don’t Rely on Index Funds or Direct Mutual Funds

Some people suggest index funds or direct plans.
 
 

But these lack personalised support and active review.
 
 

Index funds don’t beat inflation in long term.
 
 

Direct funds don’t guide you in market changes.
 
 

Use actively managed mutual funds.
 
 

Invest through a Mutual Fund Distributor backed by a Certified Financial Planner.
 
 

Proper advice gives proper results.
 
 
10. Set a 3-Step Goal Plan

Step 1: Get control of monthly spending.
 
 

Step 2: Reduce EMIs or consolidate loans.
 
 

Step 3: Start small savings. Build emergency fund.
 
 

Once your cash flow improves, you can add SIPs.
 
 

Even Rs. 2,000/month SIP can build wealth slowly.
 
 

Long-term discipline matters more than short-term sacrifice.
 
 
11. Talk to a Certified Financial Planner

You don’t have to figure it all alone.
 
 

Certified Financial Planners can review your full profile.
 
 

They guide step-by-step based on your goals.
 
 

You get help with loan restructuring, budgeting and investing.
 
 

Regular plan reviews give better direction.
 
 

Guided support gives better results than guesswork.
 
 
Finally

Your situation is difficult but not unfixable. You are not alone. Many professionals earn well but have tight budgets. You are aware. That’s the key strength.

Now you need to make few lifestyle and financial changes. Nothing happens overnight. But over 6–12 months, you can turn things around.

Build better habits. Spend less than income. Don’t take more loans. Start even the smallest savings.

Once you’re stable, shift focus to long-term investments. Work with a Certified Financial Planner to guide you along the journey.

You’ll find peace, progress and purpose.

 
 

Best Regards,
 
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP
 
Chief Financial Planner,
 
www.holisticinvestment.in
 
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment

...Read more

Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |5512 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on May 30, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - May 29, 2025
DISCLAIMER: The content of this post by the expert is the personal view of the rediffGURU. Investment in securities market are subject to market risks. Read all the related document carefully before investing. The securities quoted are for illustration only and are not recommendatory. Users are advised to pursue the information provided by the rediffGURU only as a source of information and as a point of reference and to rely on their own judgement when making a decision. RediffGURUS is an intermediary as per India's Information Technology Act.

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