Sir I have opened PPF account in 1998 and thereafter continuous depositing the money . As on 01.04.2023( After25 Years) my corpus was 10 Lacs ( 8.5 earlier and 1.5 lacs current one) . Now i need money becz of emergency . Please guide the penelity of 1% reduction will be from 01.04.2023 (Date of extension ) or since the date of opening the account . Its premature closure but after 25 Years

Ans: The penalty for premature closure of a PPF account after 25 years is typically 1% reduction in the interest rate that would have been earned. This penalty is applied from the date of the extension, not from the date of opening the account.

Given your situation where you're facing an emergency and need to withdraw funds, it's important to understand that while PPF offers excellent tax benefits and compounding growth, it's also meant to be a long-term investment with a lock-in period of 15 years. Even after this period, partial withdrawals or loans are allowed under specific conditions, but the full withdrawal before maturity attracts the penalty.

In emergencies, it might be worth considering other available options before prematurely closing your PPF account, such as taking a loan against the PPF balance or exploring other liquid assets you might have. However, if you find that closing the PPF account is your only option, do factor in the penalty and tax implications to make an informed decision.

Always consult with a financial advisor or tax consultant to understand the implications fully and make the best choice for your situation.