The Public Provident Fund (PPF) has a maturity period of 15 years from the end of the financial year in which the account was opened. After the PPF account maturity, you have three options:
- Close the account and withdraw full balance
- Extend the account with fresh contributions
- Extend the account without fresh contributions
Let’s understand each option and the rules that apply.
1. Closing the PPF Account at Maturity
- You can withdraw the entire balance (principal + interest) after 15 years.
- The maturity amount is completely tax-free.
- Once withdrawn, the account is closed, and you cannot reopen it.
- You can open a new account later, but only one PPF account is allowed at a time.
Example: If you opened a PPF in March 2010, it will mature in April 2025 (after 15 financial years). You can withdraw the full amount at that time.
2. Extending the PPF Account With Contributions
- If you want to continue investing, you can extend in blocks of 5 years.
- You must submit Form H within 1 year from maturity.
- Minimum deposit ₹500 and maximum ₹1.5 lakh per year allowed.
- Tax benefits under Section 80C continue.
- Withdrawal: One withdrawal allowed per year during extension.
3. Extending the PPF Account Without Contributions
- You can let the account continue without adding fresh deposits.
- The existing balance keeps earning interest every year.
- Withdrawals are more flexible — one withdrawal per year allowed without limit on the amount.
- No need to submit Form H if you don’t plan to deposit further.
Key Rules at PPF Maturity
- You must choose between closure or extension within 1 year.
- If you don’t submit Form H but deposit money, it will be treated as an irregular deposit (refunded without interest).
- PPF can be extended indefinitely in blocks of 5 years.
- Maturity proceeds are always 100% tax-free.
PPF Maturity Options – Quick Comparison
| Option |
Deposits Allowed |
Interest |
Withdrawals |
Tax Benefit |
| Closure |
No |
No |
Full amount at once |
Tax-free |
| Extension with Contribution |
Yes (₹500–₹1.5 lakh per year) |
On balance + new deposits |
1 per year |
Yes (80C) |
| Extension without Contribution |
No |
On balance only |
1 per year, flexible |
No new benefit |
FAQs on PPF Account Maturity
Q1. Can I withdraw my PPF balance before 15 years?
Only under partial withdrawal (after 7 years) or premature closure (after 5 years in special cases). Full withdrawal only after 15 years.
Yes, submit Form H if you want to continue with contributions. If you do nothing, the account is considered extended without contributions.
Q3. Is the maturity amount taxable?
No, PPF has EEE status – investment, interest, and maturity are all tax-free.
Q4. Can I extend my PPF account more than once?
Yes, extension is allowed in multiple 5-year blocks.
Q5. What if I don’t withdraw or extend my PPF account?
It will be automatically treated as extended without contribution, and the balance will keep earning interest.
When your PPF account matures after 15 years, you don’t have to withdraw immediately.
- Choose closure if you need the full amount.
- Choose extension with contributions if you want to continue saving and claim tax benefits.
- Choose extension without contributions if you want flexibility and steady tax-free interest.
Either way, PPF remains one of the safest and most rewarding long-term investments in India.
