An investor can choose to close the PPF account at the end of 15-years (on maturity) and withdraw the entire-amount, or he can choose to extend the account for 5-years and continue to get the same benefits. Such extension can be done for a period of 5-years at a time, and it can be done indefinitely. So one can continue the PPF account indefinitely.

PPF provides the widest flexibility in the amount that can be deposited in the account, from minimum amount of Rs.500 per annum to maximum amount of Rs 1 lakh per annum. Also, an investor can make up to 12 deposits in a year, in multiples of Rs 5. Due to the lower threshold limit, even a daily wage earner can open a PPF account.

The amount invested in PPF is exempt from tax, the interest earned on the deposit is exempt from tax and the maturity amount at the end of the 15-year tenure is also exempt from tax. This triple tax benefit (Exempt-Exempt-Exempt or E-E-E status) makes PPF an attractive investment instrument from post-tax return point of view too.