What is PPF?
The Public Provident Fund (PPF) is a long-term savings scheme introduced by the Government of India to promote financial discipline and retirement savings. Canara Bank PPF Account offers tax benefits under Section 80C and provides a fixed interest rate determined by the government every quarter. The scheme is available to all Indian residents and is ideal for individuals looking for a safe investment option with guaranteed returns.
Canara Bank PPF Account – Key Features
- Interest Rate: The government decides the interest rate quarterly.
- Investment Limit: Minimum Rs. 500 and maximum Rs. 1.5 lakh per year.
- Tenure: The lock-in period is 15 years, extendable in 5-year blocks.
- Tax Benefits: Contributions are deductible under Section 80C, and interest earned is tax-free.
- Partial Withdrawals: Allowed after the completion of 6 financial years.
- Loan Facility: Available from the 3rd to the 6th year of investment.
- Nomination Facility: Account holders can nominate a beneficiary.
- Mode of Investment: You can make deposits in a lump sum or installments.
You may also want to know the PNB Senior Citizen Savings Scheme
How to Open a PPF Account in Canara Bank?
You can open a Canara Bank PPF account online or offline. Here’s how:
Canara Bank PPF Account Opening Online Process
- Visit the official Canara Bank Internet Banking portal.
- Log in using your User ID and Password.
- Navigate to the PPF Account section.
- Fill in the required details in the PPF Account opening form.
- Upload the necessary documents (ID proof, address proof, PAN card, and photographs).
- Choose the deposit amount and mode of contribution.
- Apply and complete the verification process.
- Once processed, your PPF account number will be generated.
How to Open a Canara Bank PPF Account Offline?
- Visit the nearest Canara Bank branch.
- Collect the PPF Account opening form.
- Fill in the required personal and nominee details.
- Attach the necessary documents (Aadhaar, PAN, passport-size photos).
- Submit the form along with an initial deposit (minimum Rs. 500).
- The bank will verify the details and issue the PPF passbook.
Canara Bank PPF Account – Eligibility Criteria
To open a PPF account in Canara Bank, one must meet the following criteria:
- Only Indian residents can open a PPF account.
- Minors can have a PPF account under the guardianship of a parent/legal guardian.
- Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) cannot open a new PPF account but can continue an existing one until maturity.
- Joint accounts are not allowed.
You may also want to know the Types of Pension Plans for Retirement
Partial Withdrawal Loan in Canara Bank
Partial Withdrawal Rules
- Allowed after 6 financial years from the date of opening.
- You can withdraw a maximum amount of 50% of the balance at the end of the fourth financial year or the previous year’s balance, whichever is lower.
Loan Against PPF
- Available from the 3rd to the 6th year of the account.
- The loan amount can be up to 25% of the balance at the end of the 2nd financial year.
- The loan interest rate is 1% higher than the prevailing PPF interest rate.
- If the loan is repaid within 36 months, another loan can be taken.
How to Check Your PPF Account Balance?
- Via Internet Banking: Log in to Canara Bank’s online banking portal and navigate to the PPF section.
- Via Mobile Banking: Use Canara Bank’s official mobile app to check the balance.
- Via Passbook Update: Visit the bank and get your passbook updated.
- Via SMS/Customer Care: Some services allow balance inquiries via SMS or customer support.
Tax Benefits of Canara Bank PPF Account
- Contributions up to Rs. 1.5 lakh per annum qualify for deduction under Section 80C.
- Interest earned is tax-free under Section 10(11).
- Maturity amount is fully tax-free.
- No TDS (Tax Deducted at Source) is applicable on withdrawals.
Conclusion
The Canara Bank PPF Account is a secure, long-term investment option suitable for individuals looking to grow their savings with government-backed returns. It offers multiple benefits, including tax exemptions, a loan facility, and partial withdrawals. With the ability to open and manage the account online, Canara Bank provides convenience and reliability to account holders. By investing in a PPF account, individuals can ensure financial stability for the future while enjoying tax savings.