Can I encash my NSC before its maturity date?
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Premature withdrawal in NSC is not permitted until 5 years. However, in case of a court order or death of the NSC holder, it may be permitted.
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A safe, stable, and secure investment is what every investor looks for. Whether it is about expanding investments, building a portfolio, or balancing the risks of your existing investment portfolio, a stable investment is necessary. While there are several investment options when it comes to stability, the National Savings Certificate (NSC) is one of the most popular.
The fact that it is backed by the government of India brings it more clarity, transparency, and reliability. Since its introduction, many have become a part of the scheme by purchasing NSC. As the scheme is for Indian citizens, HUFs (Hindu Undivided Families) and NRIs (Non-Resident Indians) are not permitted to purchase NSC. Continue reading to delve deeper and understand more about NSC and its benefits.
NSC's full form is the National Savings Certificate. It is a government-backed savings scheme where individuals can start investing with as low as ₹1,000. The scheme has no upper limit on investment. Available across post offices in India, the National Savings Certificate also offers tax benefits of up to ₹1.5 lakhs under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act of 1961.
The government of India led this initiative to encourage individuals with low to mid-income to invest in a stable scheme while also saving their hard-earned money. Additionally, the tax benefit on NSC provides the dual benefit of investment and tax savings. The NSC comes with a lock-in period of 5 years, so this may not be the best idea if you are looking for a liquid investment option. Although the scheme has no cap on the maximum investment, the maximum tax benefit claim is limited to ₹1.5 lakhs.
Here are some of the highlighting features of the National Savings Certificate:
Interest Rates
The interest rate on NSC is currently at 7.7% and is accrued annually. Usually, it is higher than fixed deposits, thus offering higher returns. The government revises the interest rate every quarter. Also, the interest rate is compounded annually, thus, increasing the overall returns.
Types of NSC
Currently, NSC has only one type of certificate, NSC VIII Issue. Originally, NSC VIII Issue and NSC IX Issue were there, but later, in 2015, the government discontinued NSC IX. So individuals now can only open the NSC VIII Issue.
Tax Benefits
National Savings Certificate is one of the most popular tax-saving investment options. You can claim up to ₹1.5 lakh tax benefit under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act of 1961.
Investment Amount
Investing in NSC is quite affordable. You can start with as low as ₹1,000 investment or any amount above this in multiples of 100. There is no cap on the maximum amount that you can invest. So, gradually, you may increase the amount. However, you must note that the maximum tax benefit that can be claimed is ₹1.5 lakhs.
Investment Tenure
National Savings Certificate comes with a lock-in period of 5 years. So, the scheme matures after 5 years upon which individuals can withdraw their investment.
Purchase of NSC
You can easily purchase NSC from a nearby post office branch by submitting essential documents and KYC. You may also purchase the policy through the online method.
Transfer of NSC
NSC can be transferred from one post office to another without any hassle. So, you are not obliged to continue with a post office until maturity.
Loan Collateral
NSC also acts as collateral against loans borrowed from banks and NBFCs (Non-Banking Financial Companies). All you need is the transfer stamp on the NSC by the postmaster to submit it to the bank.
Nomination in NSC
NSC holders need to nominate a family member in the certificate so the benefits of the scheme can be collected by the nominee in case of the unfortunate demise of the NSC holder.
Maturity Amount
NSC does not attract any TDS (Tax Deducted at Source) but the taxpayer has to pay tax on the maturity amount. Upon maturity after 5 years, the individual receives the complete amount, along with the interests accrued, as maturity benefit.
Premature Withdrawal of NSC
As discussed above, NSC comes with a lock-in period of 5 years. So, one cannot withdraw the amount prior to maturity. However, in case of the death of the NSC holder or an order from the court, the amount can be withdrawn.
National Savings Certificates offer dual benefits of safe investment and tax benefits. So, people who are looking for these elements may go with NSC. While on the one hand, it lets you save and invest, on the other hand, you can claim up to ₹1.5 lakh tax benefits.
You must note that NSC is not a popular scheme when it comes to inflation-beating investments. So, although the returns are stable, they may not be able to beat inflation. However, most NSCs offer higher returns than FDs.
The government has specified the eligibility criteria for purchasing NSC. These are:
Indian citizens above 10 years of age
Trusts, Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs), and Private and Public Limited Companies (PLCs) cannot invest in NSC.
Non-resident Indians (NRIs) cannot invest in NSC
You can purchase NSC through the offline or online method. Here are the details of the same:
How to Invest Offline in NSC?
To purchase NSC from a nearby post office branch, you need to follow the following steps:
Step 1
Visit a nearby post office to collect NSC application form
Step 2
Fill and submit the form by attaching KYC documents (self-attested)
Step 3
Make sure to carry original documents with you while making the payment
Step 4
After approval, you can collect the NSC.
How to Invest Online in NSC?
Here are the steps that you need to follow for online NSC purchases:
Step 1
You need to log in to the Department of Posts (DOP) net banking
Step 2
Go to “Service Requests” under “General Services”
Step 3
Now, go to “New Requests”. You then need to click on “‘NSC Account – Open an NSC Account”.
Step 4
Here, fill in the amount you want to deposit and the linked debit account to the post office and accept the terms and conditions to move further
Step 5
You need to enter the transaction password and then submit. You may download the deposit receipt here
Step 6
Now you can click on ‘Accounts’ to check the details of your NSC account.
This is how you can easily purchase NSCs through the online or offline method. For more details and updates from the government on NSC, stay connected with us.
You need to submit certain documents to purchase NSC. In case of offline purchases, make sure to carry essential documents to avoid unnecessary back and forth.
The documents required for purchasing NSC are:
Identity proof (passport, PAN card, senior citizen ID, driver's license, etc.)
Photographs
Address proof (electricity bill, bank statement, phone bill, or passport).
National Savings Certificate offers tax benefits under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act of 1961. Taxpayers can claim a maximum benefit of up to ₹1.5 lakhs in a financial year. The tax benefit is capped at ₹1.5 lakhs even if the investment exceeds ₹1.5 lakhs.
For the first four years, the interest accrued on investment is added back to the principal savings by default and so, is calculated under the total tax benefit claim of ₹1.5 lakhs. However, in the fifth year, the interest is not added back and so is taxable according to the taxpayer's tax slab.
In case you lose your original NSC, you can claim a duplicate NSC at the post office that issued your NSC. Submit the duplicate NSC claim form along with the necessary details to collect a duplicate NSC.
While filling out the form, you must pay attention to the details to avoid rejection of your claim. Some of the essential details that the duplicate NSC form may ask for are:
NSC serial number, the issue date of NSC, denominations, etc.
The purchase date of the NSC may also be asked
You may have to fill in the reason for the duplicate NSC claim
Any other information may also be related to the cause of the claim and the original NSC document.
National Savings Certificate is one of the most popular tax-saving investment options. Backed by the government of India, it is also one of the safest and most stable investment schemes. In comparison to other similar savings and investment schemes like fixed deposits and provident funds, NSC often offers higher returns. However, beating inflation may not be a feature of the scheme. If you are looking for a secure investment scheme that offers steady returns, NSC can be the one. You may purchase as many NSCs as you want in multiples of 100 from any nearby post office branch or through online methods.
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Disclaimer: Investments in the securities market are subject to market risk, read all related documents carefully before investing.
This content is for educational purposes only. Securities quoted are exemplary and not recommendatory.
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Premature withdrawal in NSC is not permitted until 5 years. However, in case of a court order or death of the NSC holder, it may be permitted.
Redeeming your NSC amount is quite easy. Simply carry the required documents with you at a nearby post office to encash your NSC after maturity. Documents that you may require are
NSC certificate (Original)
Identity proof
NSC encashment form
A signature of the NSC holder is mandatory behind the certificate after the payment has been received.
NSC stands for National Savings Certificate. It is a savings scheme backed by the government of India.
Until four years, the interest accrued is compounded to the principal amount so it is not taxable. However, the interest in 5th year is not added back to the account and thus is taxable as per the tax slab of the taxpayer.
There is no cap on the number of NSCs that you can buy. So, depending on the personal preferences of the individual, they can buy as many as they want.
National Savings Certificates offer tax benefits under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act of 1961. Taxpayers can claim tax benefits of up to ₹1.5 lakhs for the investments made in the NSC.
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