NPS -New Pension Scheme with New tax benefits

In Budget 2015 new tax benefit is announced for NPS – new pension scheme, this makes NPS more attractive from investment point of view. Let’s take a quick look at new pension scheme and applicable tax benefits.

What is New Pension Scheme?

New Pension Scheme is retirement saving pension scheme launched by government of India. This scheme is also known as national pension scheme. This scheme is regulated and administered by PFRDA.

NPS offers two types of account –

Tire I – Traditional account where withdrawal is not possible

Tire II – Optional Account where withdrawal is possible

Under NPS subscriber is free to select investment option and fund manager. Investor can choose whether to invest in equity, debt or government securities, not only that subscriber can select investment portion also. This make this scheme unique from investment point of view. Under NPS return on investment in not guaranteed, however it is expected that return will be in range of 11-12.5 %.

How to open New Pension Scheme (NPS) account?

NPS account can be opened at designated post office or banks. Any Indian resident from age 18 years to 55 years is eligible to open this account. In order to open New Pension Scheme account PAN card is mandatory.

Minimum Investment Amount

Minimum investment amount for NPS is 6000 Rs/- in a financial year. There is no upper limit for investment in NPS, however tax benefit will be applicable as per rules.

Tax Benefits available for NPS

NPS offers tax benefits under various sections. Details of tax benefit and sections are:-

80CCD – 1.5 Lac

80CCD (1b) – 0.5 Lac

80CCD (2) – 10% OF BASIC + DA

Life Stage option

Life stage investment option is for individual who cannot track their investment or cannot decide allocation of investments. Under this option equity investment portion varies automatically based on age of individual. Higher the age lower the equity investment.

Pension Fund Selection

As mention above you have option to select from six available fund managers. You can even shift from fund manager to fund manager. This switching is allowed once in year.

Rules for Withdrawal

New pension scheme does not allow subscriber to withdraw money till 60 year of age. No partial withdrawal option.

Tax on Maturity

Withdrawal amount and maturity amount under this scheme is taxable. No tax benefit is yet extended on maturity.

Should you invest in New Pension Scheme?

Few days back NPS was not at all attractive option, but after announcement of tax benefit in budget 2015 NPS became talk of the town. This investment option became attractive because now it gives additional tax deduction benefit of 50000 Rs/- under 80 CCD (1b).

According to me tax benefit should not be only reason for making investment in NPS. You should select NPS if it suits your risk profile and investment goal.