Should I Go With The PPF Or the ELSS?

ELSS is the tax saving mutual fund which serves both the purpose of saving taxes and helping you create long term wealth. ELSS funds  generate returns by primarily investing in equity and equity-related instruments.  This makes it a suitable investment option for a person with long term goals. You get a combination of the highest gain of 12% and above, as well as the lowest lock-in period of 3 years by investing in ELSS, which is the best investment option when compared to other options with tax deductions under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act, 1961.

PPF is a Government of India backed debt asset, suitable for long terms financial goals such as children’s education and retirement planning. By investing in PPF, you can claim tax deductions under section 80C up to Rs 1.5 lakh. PPF carries a longer lock-in period of 15 years which can further be extended for another 5 but there is a facility of premature withdrawal from 6th year onwards. You can also avail of a loan on your PPF account and that facility is available from the 3rd to the end of the 6th financial year. The loan amount is set at 25% of the outstanding balance amount of the two preceding years and needs to be repaid in 36 months. However, It is to be noted that the interest charged is  2% over the present interest rate.

Compare ELSS vs PPF

Below are the differences between ELSS and PPF:

1. Risk

Public Provident Fund PPF investment is low risk because it is backed by the Government of India. Hence, they are a better investment option for highly risk-averse investors. ELSS funds, on the other hand, invest in equity and equity-related instruments and are exposed to market risks, which makes them a better investment option for those who are willing to risk volatility for the sake of long term gains.

2. Returns

The rate of interest on PPF investment is decided by the Government of India with the present rate being 7.9%. The returns on ELSS depend on market movements. The 3-year annualized historical returns on ELSS funds are 12% and above. You can also use Scripbox’s SIP calculator and estimate the returns and wealth created.

3. Tax on Returns

PPF investments carry a tax benefit of the returns being totally tax-free. To estimate the returns and maturity you can use Scripbox’s PPF calculator. In ELSS, gains of over INR 1 Lakh are considered long-term capital gains and are, therefore, taxed at the rate of 10%.

4. Lock-in Period

PPF investment has a lock-in period of 15 years, with an option to make a partial withdrawal after the completion of 5 years. Equity linked saving schemes ELSS, carries a lock-in period of only 3 years. But you can keep the investment for a longer duration as well.

5. Time Horizon

You can invest for 15 years in a PPF account with an additional extension of 5 more years. In ELSS investment, there is no time horizon and you can continue with the investment as long as you wish.

6. Volatility

The funds collected in PPF are used by the Government where you can earn a fixed interest.  Hence, there is no question of volatility. ELSS funds are invested in equity and are subject to market fluctuations and volatility.

7. Offered Through

PPF is offered through banks and the post office. To invest, you would need to open a PPF account, followed by a KYC process. Plus you can even open a joint PPF account for and with a minor. ELSS is managed by a fund manager and offered by the mutual fund house. Hence, you can invest directly through the AMC website, online investment portals or through Demat agents and registrars.

8. Contribution

In both investment options, PPF and ELSS the contribution can be monthly or in a lump sum. In PPF, the minimum investment amount is INR 500. On the other hand, the maximum is INR. 1.5 Lakhs for every financial year. In ELSS, the monthly payments are known as  Systematic Investment Plans (SIP). In SIP you can start investing with INR 500 and there is no upper limit of investment. You can also check out the difference between SIP and lump sum mutual funds.

9. Premature Withdrawal Facility

You can partially withdraw money from your PPF account after the completion of 5 years of investment but there is no such provision to withdraw money from ELSS until the lock-in period of three years is over.

Which is better PPF or Mutual Fund ELSS?

As a taxpayer and an investor, it is up to you to decide what your investment goal and financial plan is, how much risk you are willing to take, and more importantly, the time period you have in hand. You should also make a note of the premature withdrawal option in mind. If you need any funds during the investment period,  PPF offers a partial withdrawal window along with the added facility of taking a loan. You can withdraw 50% of the funds post the 5-year lock-in period, or can avail a loan in the 3rd year.

But in the case of ELSS, there are no partial withdrawals during the lock-in period. However, the lock-in period in ELSS is 3 years while investing in ppf bring a lock-in period of 15 years

Conclusion

Finally, before choosing any one, or both the options, you need to consider the financial plan and goal you have in mind and thus the returns that you are looking for. You can consider the differences between ELSS and PPF, before making an investment choice.

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Disclaimer: This article is issued in the general public interest and meant for general information purposes only. Readers are advised not to rely on the contents of the article as conclusive in nature and should research further or consult an expert in this regard.