PPF Account Matures: Withdraw or Continue? Expert Advice on Your Options

• PPF accounts mature after 15 years, offering tax benefits and compound returns.
• After maturity, account holders have three options: withdraw the full amount, keep the account active without new deposits (earning interest), or extend it in 5-year blocks with continued investment.
• Choosing to keep the account active without new deposits allows the existing balance to continue earning tax-free interest, with one withdrawal permitted per financial year.
• To extend the account with new investments, Form 4 (Form H) must be submitted within one year of maturity; otherwise, new deposits are not allowed, though interest continues.
• PPF operates under the Exempt-Exempt-Exempt (EEE) tax framework, meaning investments (up to Rs 1.5 lakh annually), interest, and withdrawals are all tax-free.

Why It Matters: After 15 years, PPF offers options to withdraw, continue earning interest, or extend with new investments.