How to Extend PPF Account After 15 Years (With and Without Contribution)

The Public Provident Fund (PPF) has a lock-in period of 15 years. Once your account completes 15 years, you don’t have to close it. Instead, you can extend your PPF account in blocks of 5 years, either with or without further contributions. This gives you flexibility to continue enjoying tax-free returns and interest.

Options to Extend PPF Account After 15 Years

After ppf maturity, you have two choices:

1. Extend With Contribution

• You continue to deposit money (minimum ₹500, maximum ₹1.5 lakh per year).
• Contributions during the extended period continue to earn interest.
• You must submit Form H within 1 year of maturity to choose this option.
• Withdrawal rules: One withdrawal per financial year is allowed.

Example: If your PPF matured in April 2025, you must submit Form H by March 2026 to keep contributing.

2. Extend Without Contribution

• You don’t make any further deposits.
• Your existing balance continues to earn interest every year.
• Withdrawals are flexible — you can withdraw any amount once a year.
• No need to submit Form H (if you don’t plan to deposit further).

Example: If your PPF balance is ₹15 lakh at maturity, it will keep earning interest even if you don’t add new money.

Key Rules for PPF Extension

• Each extension is in blocks of 5 years (you can extend multiple times).
• If you don’t submit Form H but make a fresh deposit, it will be treated as an irregular deposit (refunded without interest).
• Once you choose an option (with or without contribution), you cannot change it until the next 5-year block.
• Tax benefits under Section 80C continue if you extend with contributions.

PPF Extension – With vs Without Contribution

Feature	With Contribution	Without Contribution
Deposit Allowed	Yes (₹500 – ₹1.5 lakh per year)	No
Interest	Earned on balance + new deposits	Earned only on balance
Withdrawal	1 per year (restricted)	1 per year (flexible)
Form Required	Form H (within 1 year)	No
Tax Benefit	Yes, under Section 80C	No new benefit (only on balance)
Best For	Those still earning and saving	Retirees or those not adding funds

Which Option Should You Choose?

• Extend with contribution if:
  • You still have regular income.
  • You want to continue tax savings under Section 80C.
  • You want to build a larger retirement corpus.
• Extend without contribution if:
  • You are retired and don’t want to invest more.
  • You only want to enjoy tax-free interest on your existing balance.
  • You need flexibility in withdrawals.

FAQs on Extending PPF Account

Q1. Can I extend my PPF account multiple times?

Yes, extension is allowed in blocks of 5 years indefinitely.

Q2. Do I need to submit any form for extension?

Yes, if you want to continue deposits, you must submit Form H within 1 year of maturity.

Q3. What if I don’t submit Form H?

Your account will be treated as extended without contribution.

Q4. Is the maturity amount tax-free after extension?

Yes, PPF enjoys EEE (Exempt-Exempt-Exempt) status even after extension.

Q5. Can I withdraw the full amount after 15 years?

Yes, you can withdraw the entire amount at maturity if you don’t want to extend.

Extending your PPF account after 15 years is a smart way to keep your savings safe and growing.

• Choose with contribution if you want to continue saving and claim tax benefits.
• Choose without contribution if you want flexible withdrawals while still earning tax-free interest.

Either way, PPF remains one of the most reliable and rewarding long-term investments in India.