PPF Vs FD: To save income tax, PPF or bank FD, what is the best option?

 

PPF Interest Rate: Both PPF and tax saving FD are good options to save income tax. In this you get good returns on investment along with tax benefits. The interest rate available on PPF is reviewed by the Finance Ministry every three months. There are changes in this from time to time. But interest is already available on FD at a fixed rate for the fixed period.

FD also has some disadvantages but PPF gives relief from income tax. The interest received on FD is subject to tax as per the tax slab of any person. But FD returns cannot always beat inflation. This means that the real value of your savings is at risk of falling over time. There is no guarantee from the government on FD. But PPF is guaranteed by the government.

Many taxpayers choose PPF for fixed income, tax saving investments keeping their retirement and retirement plans in mind. Tax experts say that Public Provident Fund is best for people who are looking for long-term savings along with tax saving and safe investment options. Whereas FD gives more flexibility. This is a good option for investors. Overall, investment in PPF has to be made in the long term and this is not the case in FD.

Investing in PPF is eligible for tax deduction under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act. That means your tax liability is reduced by investing in it. But the interest on maturity of PPF and the amount you receive is tax free. This is an attractive scheme for the salaried class from the point of view of tax saving.

The current interest rate on PPF is 7.1 percent for the July-September quarter. But SBI is giving 6.50 percent interest on tax saving FD.

If you invest in FD at a low interest rate for a long period, you will suffer loss if the interest rate increases. For this reason, PPF gives better returns than a five-year tax saving FD. FD interest rates remain constant throughout the investment period. At the same time, the interest rate of PPF is floating which can change every quarter.

There is benefit of compounding in PPF. This account matures in 15 years. After maturity, you can close the account by withdrawing money or extend it for a period of five years to continue investing.