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Anil Rego  |377 Answers  |Ask -

Financial Planner - Answered on Jul 13, 2021

Anil Rego is the founder of Right Horizons, a financial and wealth management firm. He has 20 years of experience in the field of personal finance.
He’s an expert in income tax and wealth management.
He has completed his CFA/MBA from the ICFAI Business School.... more
Vijai Question by Vijai on Jul 13, 2021Hindi
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My daughter in law has a PPF a/c which is maturing on 31.03.2021 and she would like to close it. She has acquired foreign citizenship. She has NRO/NRE account in a bank here. Please let me know what are her tax liabilities if the amount of PPF is deposited in the NRO/NRE bank here and also if later on transferred to her present country of citizenship?

Ans: Your daughter can get the PPF maturity proceeds in her NRO account. In India, there would be no taxes on PPF, but it could be taxed in the country of her residence if needs to include it in her global income.

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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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 I have not withdrawn from my PPF account so far.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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I am 50 years old, how much proportion should I allocate in Debt and Equity mutual funds. I am investing in mutual funds only. My 43 L portfolio has 37 L equity and 6 Lak debt.
Ans: Balancing your portfolio between equity and debt is critical at this stage. A 50-year-old investor should aim for a safer portfolio while ensuring reasonable growth. Since you’re already investing in mutual funds, fine-tuning your allocation can optimise returns and reduce risk.

Let’s assess your portfolio in detail and identify actionable steps for an optimal balance.

Evaluating Your Current Portfolio
Your current allocation includes:

Rs 37 lakh in equity: Around 86% of your total portfolio.
Rs 6 lakh in debt: About 14% of your total portfolio.
This equity-heavy portfolio is suitable for younger investors. At 50, you may need to rebalance to reduce volatility while retaining growth.

Recommended Allocation Strategy
A general rule is the "100 minus age" approach. However, personal goals, risk tolerance, and financial stability should guide decisions. For a 50-year-old:

Equity: 50% to 60% of the portfolio. This ensures growth and combats inflation.
Debt: 40% to 50%. This ensures stability and predictable returns.
You can adjust within this range based on personal preferences and financial objectives.

Steps to Rebalance Your Portfolio
To align your portfolio, consider these steps:

Gradually reduce equity exposure: Shift some equity investments to debt. Do this systematically over months to avoid timing risks.
Increase debt mutual funds allocation: Consider short-duration or dynamic bond funds for liquidity and moderate returns.
Use hybrid mutual funds: Balanced advantage funds can offer a mix of equity and debt with automatic rebalancing.
Why a Balanced Allocation Is Crucial
Equity: This provides growth potential to counter inflation. It supports long-term financial goals like retirement planning.
Debt: This offers stability and acts as a buffer against market downturns. It ensures liquidity for unexpected expenses.
Avoid Over-Exposure to Equity
While equity delivers higher returns, excessive exposure can increase portfolio risk. A balanced allocation shields you during market corrections.

Advantages of Actively Managed Funds
Actively managed funds can outperform the market due to professional expertise. They adjust portfolios based on market trends and opportunities.

Disadvantages of Index Funds:

They lack active monitoring during volatile periods.
They mimic the index, limiting scope for higher returns.
Their fixed composition may underperform in certain market cycles.
For long-term growth, actively managed funds offer better risk-adjusted returns.

Benefits of Regular Funds Over Direct Funds
Guidance: Regular funds come with expert advice from an MFD with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) credential.
Portfolio Monitoring: They help align your investments with changing market conditions.
Support: MFDs can guide in tax planning and rebalancing.
Direct funds, while cheaper, may lead to uninformed decisions and missed opportunities.

Tax Efficiency in Your Portfolio
Understanding new mutual fund taxation rules is essential:

Equity funds: LTCG above Rs 1.25 lakh is taxed at 12.5%. STCG is taxed at 20%.
Debt funds: Gains are taxed as per your income slab.
Consider tax implications before rebalancing to avoid unnecessary liabilities.

Maintaining Liquidity
At this stage, maintaining a portion of your portfolio in liquid funds is prudent. It helps meet short-term goals or emergencies without disturbing long-term investments.

Aligning with Retirement Goals
Your portfolio should focus on generating a steady post-retirement income. Here’s how:

Allocate more to debt as you approach retirement.
Use SWP (Systematic Withdrawal Plan) for regular income during retirement.
Retain a small equity portion to combat inflation even post-retirement.
Creating a Contingency Fund
Set aside a separate fund equivalent to 6-12 months of expenses. Use liquid or ultra-short-term debt funds for this.

Monitoring and Reviewing Your Portfolio
Review your portfolio every 6 months.
Rebalance based on market conditions and life changes.
Consult a Certified Financial Planner for adjustments aligned with your goals.
Avoid Common Investment Pitfalls
Chasing high returns: Avoid concentrating on high-risk funds at this stage.
Over-diversification: Stick to a manageable number of funds to track performance easily.
Ignoring inflation: Ensure your portfolio grows faster than inflation rates.
Building a Long-Term Perspective
Focus on wealth preservation alongside growth.
Maintain discipline in investing. Avoid reacting impulsively to market fluctuations.
Stay informed about economic and market trends affecting mutual fund performance.
Final Insights
Balancing equity and debt is essential for stability and growth in your portfolio. A 50%-60% equity and 40%-50% debt allocation aligns with your age and goals. Active management and regular reviews will help optimise returns and minimise risks.

Transitioning gradually ensures minimal disruption to your portfolio’s growth. Focus on creating a robust strategy to secure your financial future.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner

www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment

...Read more

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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