Voluntary Provident Fund – Benefits, Limit, Interest Rate, Contribution
Voluntary Provident Fund (VPF) – Benefits, Procedure
Public provident fund (PPF) has always been on the list of risk averse investors. But the only limitation is that – the maximum amount you can invest in PPF is limited in a year and with average inflation rate in India being aroung 7-8%; it has become quintessential to diversify your portfolio in order to beat that inflation and invest in safest options with highest returns, so that retirement savings would not take a hit. And one such option is Voluntary Provident Fund (VPF).
VPF Benefits, Procedure
It is a type of investment option wherein a person (salaried employee) can contribute more than the normal compulsory deduction of 12% of your basic salary. This 12% is the one which employer deducts from your basic salary every month toward Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF). Only salaried employees in India can open VPF account. And employers are not under obligation to contribute.
Maximum Amount Contribution to VPF
100% of Basic Salary and Dearness Allowance
Benefits of Investing In VPF
- You can contribute more than 12 % (in fact, your whole salary) in VPF. This includes basic salary plus dearness allowance. So it becomes a better solution for securing you financial future.
- Investments in VPF are made from your pre-tax income.
- Employees contribution is eligible for deduction under section 80C of the Indian Income Tax., subject to a maximum of INR 1 Lakh.
- Interest income: It is not taxable unless the interest rate exceeds the statutory rate of 9.5% at present. For the year 2012-2013, interest rate was 8.5% pa.
- Redemption: It is tax free unless withdrawn before the expiry of 5 years.
How to Invest In VPF
- In order to increase your contribution towards VPF, employee has to write to their employer asking for additonal amount of deduction from your salary.
- Normally, employee can opt for this during any point in the financial year.
- VPF form need to be filled, signed and submitted to your finance/accounts/Payroll department of your company.
- Form requires you to mention details of amount to be contributed from your Basic and DA.
Bonus read: PF Early Withdrawal Conditions
Rules/Disadvantages:
- You cannot discontinue investment in the middle of the year.
- If money is withdrawn within the first five years of service, interest income become taxable. So understanding the importance of financial planning is very much essential before choosing this option.
- Most employers want their employees to invest in VPF at the start of the financial year. So it becomes an employees’ responsibility to get it done through the employer.
- Interest income becomes taxable if it increases above 9.50%.
- It is only for salaried professional.
- Since rates of PF or VPF changes every year, there is a risk of the rate going down.
- Entire maturity becomes taxable if DTC i.e. direct tax code comes into effect
When are rates for VPF decided:
Rates are normally announced at the end of the year. For the financial year, 2011-12; Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation announced a reduction in interest rate to 8.25% from 9.50% in 2010-11. For the year 2012-13, EPFO rates are expected to be around 8.6%. Also see VPF historic interest rates.
To Whom VPF Is Best Recommended:
- Person who is nearing the retirement should invest in it.
- If Direct Taxes Code (DTC) comes into effect next year, your entire maturity proceed may become taxable.
Important Things To Be Kept In Mind:
- Investment is for long term.
- You can contribute larger sum this year, for savings on taxes.
Get to know about benefits of employee provident fund
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Kavita Meel
I would like to know that how I can withdraw my VPF as I have quit from my previous organization. And in newer one I have given the same UAN number. So can i withdraw my pf or not. Will it become the part of the whole pf amount? Or I can withdraw it after leaving the new job.
Fahad Anees
Suppose if i am unemployed for 5-7 months period and ofcourse will not able to contribute in VPF during that time, then in such case will anything effect(any type of monetary loss) my VPF amount ?
Jagdish
i m invest 6000 per month in vpf for 7 years bcoz i m retired after 7 years how many rupees i gate in 7 years
Amitava Sinha
RI have contributed in employees voluntary provident fund for last 4 years with the amount of or rs.500 each month. Now I want to withdraw the amount for anonymous reason. Still am continuing my present job. Is it possible to withdraw and what are the process. Please help me out.
jagan
My company is not allowing for VPF, Can i know is there any condition to have minimum employees to opt in an organisation. Like EPF minimum 20 employees.
my company giving me the same reason.
Anonymous
Shall i withdraw only VPF amount from PF account
alex
I want withdraw part amount from my vpf a/c
Shirish Shukla
What the procedure for VPF withdraw.
1. IF I separate from my current employer .. can I transfer my VPF account o my next employer .
2. If have moved to out of India in between, can I pay my VPF amount by self .
Pls reply
Deepak Saini
hi,
The finance dept of the company I work with refuses to entertain my request for VPF saying that they do not allow it.
My question is:
Can the company refuse such a request?
If not, can you pls point to me rule which allows me to take this issue with them again?
Thanks
Deepak
Mr. Chandrakumar
Dear Deepak, Excuse me for the delayed response. Due to time constraints, I haven’t been very active. Is your query answered. May be I can consult my acquaintances to get you with the possible solution. Let me know.