PPF: 5 mistakes that reduce returns

Public Provident Fund (PPF) offers 7.1% interest per annum and EEE tax status, making deposits, interest, and maturity amount tax-free.

Failing to deposit the minimum ₹500 annually makes the PPF account inactive, restricting deposits and benefits until reactivation with a penalty.

Deposits made before the 5th of each month earn interest for that month; deposits after the 5th miss that month's interest.

Investing more than ₹1.5 lakh annually in PPF is a mistake, as excess deposits do not earn interest and are not eligible for tax deduction.