Employment status
EPF and VPF are exclusive to salaried employees, while PPF is available to all individuals, including self-employed professionals and students.
Contribution limits
EPF requires a mandatory 12% contribution from both employee and employer, while VPF allows up to 100% of the employee’s basic salary and DA. PPF has an annual contribution limit of Rs. 1.5 lakh.
Employer match
EPF contributions are matched by the employer (up to 12%), whereas VPF contributions are voluntary and not matched. PPF does not involve employer contributions.
Withdrawal rules
EPF and VPF allow partial withdrawals for specific purposes, such as medical expenses or home purchases, while PPF permits partial withdrawals only after six years.
Flexibility
PPF offers more flexibility in terms of contribution amounts and frequency, unlike EPF and VPF, where contributions are deducted automatically.
Interest rates
EPF and VPF offer higher interest rates (currently 8.15% p.a.) compared to PPF (7.1% p.a.).
Risk profile
All three schemes are low-risk and backed by the government, making them ideal for conservative investors.
Long-term financial goals
EPF and VPF are designed for retirement savings, while PPF can be used for both retirement and other long-term goals due to its 15-year lock-in period.
Tax implications
All three schemes fall under the EEE (Exempt-Exempt-Exempt) category, making contributions, interest earned, and maturity proceeds tax-free under Section 80C.
To grow your savings further after these investments, consider a Bajaj Finance Fixed Deposit, offering guaranteed returns and flexible tenures. Learn more about Bajaj Finance FD.