PPF Extension Rules 2025: Public Provident Fund (PPF) is one of the safest investment options for Indian investors who want guaranteed returns and tax savings. With a current interest rate of 7.1%, the PPF scheme allows investors to build a large retirement corpus over time. The account matures in 15 years, but many people prefer continuing it further to earn long-term, risk-free returns. This is where PPF extension rules become important.
If you are wondering how many times you can extend a PPF account, how the extension works, and what the process is, here is a simple and complete explanation.
How Many Times Can You Extend a PPF Account ?
There is no limit on how many times a PPF can be extended.
Once your account completes 15 years, you can continue it in 5-year extension blocks, again and again, for as long as you want.
This makes PPF a perfect long-term wealth-building option for retirement planning.
Two Ways to Extend a PPF Account
1. Extension With Contribution
If you want to continue depositing money even after 15 years, you must request a 5-year extension.
For this, submit a simple written application at your bank or post office.
Benefits:
- You can continue investing every year.
- Your money earns the same interest rate declared by the government.
- You continue receiving full tax benefits under Section 80C.
Important:
This option is available only if you submit the extension request within 12 months after the original maturity date.
2. Auto-Extension Without Contribution
If you do not deposit or withdraw your entire balance after maturity, your account automatically moves into an “extended” mode.
Features of this mode:
- No fresh deposits are allowed.
- You can make one withdrawal per year.
- Once you choose this mode, you cannot switch back to the deposit mode later.
This option is suitable for people who only wish to keep their existing balance earning interest.
How the PPF 5-Year Extension Works
Every extension is done in a fixed block of 5 years. You cannot extend it for 1 or 2 years.
To keep contributing, you must apply within a year of maturity; otherwise, only auto-extension will be allowed.
PPF Extension Process: Step-by-Step
- Visit your bank or post office where the PPF account is held.
- Fill out the PPF Extension Form or submit a simple application.
- Submit it within 12 months of the maturity date.
- Once approved, your account continues smoothly for another 5 years.