EPF vs PPF vs NPS: Which retirement investment works best for you?
By Vidhi Verma, ET Online |
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Three key retirement options
EPF, PPF and NPS are India’s most popular long-term retirement savings schemes, each offering different levels of returns, risk and flexibility.
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Returns and risk level differ
EPF and PPF offer fixed low-risk returns, while NPS delivers potentially higher returns because it is linked to market performance.
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Lock-in and withdrawal rules
PPF has a 15-year lock-in, EPF is usually locked till retirement with limited early withdrawals, and NPS is locked till age 60 with partial withdrawal rules.
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Tax benefits comparison
EPF and PPF enjoy full EEE tax benefits, while NPS provides an extra Rs 50,000 deduction under Section 80CCD(1B) in addition to Section 80C.
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Which one should you choose
PPF suits risk-averse investors, EPF can be better suited for salaried employees, and NPS is a good option for long-term investors seeking higher growth; a mix of all three builds a balanced retirement plan.