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
Q1. Can I extend my PPF account multiple times?
Yes, extension is allowed in blocks of 5 years indefinitely.
Yes, if you want to continue deposits, you must submit Form H within 1 year of maturity.
Your account will be treated as extended without contribution.
Q4. Is the maturity amount tax-free after extension?
Yes, PPF enjoys EEE (Exempt-Exempt-Exempt) status even after extension.
Q5. Can I withdraw the full amount after 15 years?
Yes, you can withdraw the entire amount at maturity if you don’t want to extend.
Extending your PPF account after 15 years is a smart way to keep your savings safe and growing.
- Choose with contribution if you want to continue saving and claim tax benefits.
- Choose without contribution if you want flexible withdrawals while still earning tax-free interest.
Either way, PPF remains one of the most reliable and rewarding long-term investments in India.
