The Public Provident Fund (PPF) has a lock-in period of 15 years. Once your account completes 15 years, you don’t have to close it. Instead, you can extend your PPF account in blocks of 5 years, either with or without further contributions. This gives you flexibility to continue enjoying tax-free returns and interest.
Options to Extend PPF Account After 15 Years
After ppf maturity, you have two choices:
1. Extend With Contribution
- You continue to deposit money (minimum ₹500, maximum ₹1.5 lakh per year).
- Contributions during the extended period continue to earn interest.
- You must submit Form H within 1 year of maturity to choose this option.
- Withdrawal rules: One withdrawal per financial year is allowed.
Example: If your PPF matured in April 2025, you must submit Form H by March 2026 to keep contributing.
2. Extend Without Contribution
- You don’t make any further deposits.
- Your existing balance continues to earn interest every year.
- Withdrawals are flexible — you can withdraw any amount once a year.
- No need to submit Form H (if you don’t plan to deposit further).
Example: If your PPF balance is ₹15 lakh at maturity, it will keep earning interest even if you don’t add new money.
Key Rules for PPF Extension
- Each extension is in blocks of 5 years (you can extend multiple times).
- If you don’t submit Form H but make a fresh deposit, it will be treated as an irregular deposit (refunded without interest).
- Once you choose an option (with or without contribution), you cannot change it until the next 5-year block.
- Tax benefits under Section 80C continue if you extend with contributions.
PPF Extension – With vs Without Contribution
| Feature | With Contribution | Without Contribution |
|---|---|---|
| Deposit Allowed | Yes (₹500 – ₹1.5 lakh per year) | No |
| Interest | Earned on balance + new deposits | Earned only on balance |
| Withdrawal | 1 per year (restricted) | 1 per year (flexible) |
| Form Required | Form H (within 1 year) | No |
| Tax Benefit | Yes, under Section 80C | No new benefit (only on balance) |
| Best For | Those still earning and saving | Retirees or those not adding funds |
Which Option Should You Choose?
- Extend with contribution if:
- You still have regular income.
- You want to continue tax savings under Section 80C.
- You want to build a larger retirement corpus.
- Extend without contribution if:
- You are retired and don’t want to invest more.
- You only want to enjoy tax-free interest on your existing balance.
- You need flexibility in withdrawals.
FAQs on Extending PPF Account
1. What does it mean to extend a PPF account?
A PPF account has a 15-year maturity period. Extending the account means continuing it after maturity so your money keeps earning interest instead of withdrawing it.
2. Is it compulsory to extend a PPF account after maturity?
No, it’s completely optional. After maturity, you can:
- Withdraw the full amount
- Extend the account with contributions
- Extend the account without making further contributions
3. How many times can a PPF account be extended?
There is no limit. You can extend your PPF account in blocks of 5 years, again and again, as long as you want.
4. What are the options available while extending a PPF account?
You have two choices:
- Extension with contribution – You can continue depositing money and earning interest
- Extension without contribution – No new deposits, but the existing balance keeps earning interest
5. What is the difference between extension with and without contribution?
- With contribution: You can deposit money, claim tax benefits, and withdraw up to 60% of the balance during each 5-year block
- Without contribution: You cannot deposit money, but you can withdraw the entire balance anytime
6. Do I need to submit any form to extend a PPF account?
Yes, only if you want to extend with contributions. You must submit Form H within one year from the maturity date.
If you don’t submit the form, the account automatically gets extended without contribution.
7. What happens if I miss submitting Form H?
If you miss the deadline, your account will still be extended—but without contributions. You won’t be allowed to make fresh deposits until the next extension cycle.
8. Will my PPF account earn interest after extension?
Yes. Whether you extend with or without contribution, your PPF balance continues to earn interest at the applicable PPF rate.
9. Can I withdraw money during the extended period?
Yes, but it depends on the type of extension:
- With contribution: You can withdraw up to 60% of the balance at the start of the extension block
- Without contribution: You can withdraw any amount, anytime
10. Can I change my extension option later?
Yes. At the end of each 5-year extension block, you can change your choice by submitting the required form for the next block.
11. Is tax benefit available during the extended period?
- With contribution: Yes, deposits qualify for Section 80C deduction
- Without contribution: No tax benefit, as no fresh deposits are made
12. What happens if I do nothing after PPF maturity?
If you take no action:
- The account is automatically extended without contribution
- Your money continues to earn interest
- You can withdraw the full amount whenever you want
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