National Savings Certificate (NSC)

What is National Savings Certificate?

The National Savings Certificate (NSC) stands as a secure investment program provided by the Indian government. Crafted to promote savings, it provides a dependable avenue for individuals to invest their funds while ensuring stability and security.

Under the NSC scheme, individuals can purchase a certificate from the post office for a fixed amount. The minimum investment amount is Rs 100, and there is no maximum limit. The certificate has a fixed maturity period, which is currently set at 5 years.

The National Savings Certificate (NSC) provides an appealing interest rate determined by the government, compounded yearly. This rate undergoes periodic revisions and can fluctuate. Earnings from NSC are reinvested and compounded annually, resulting in a boosted return upon maturity.

The National Savings Certificate offers significant tax benefits, making it a valuable investment option. The investment made in NSC is eligible for tax deductions under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act. However, the interest earned on the NSC is taxable as per the individual’s income tax slab.

The NSC is a safe investment option as it is backed by the government of India. It can be purchased by individuals, as well as joint owners or on behalf of minors. The certificate can be transferred from one person to another, and it can also be used as collateral for obtaining loans.

At maturity, the NSC certificate can be encashed, and the invested amount along with the accumulated interest can be claimed. It’s worth emphasizing that cashing in the certificate before its maturity isn’t permitted, except in specific extraordinary situations.

The National Savings Certificate is a popular choice among conservative investors who prefer a fixed-income investment with steady returns. It provides a secure way to save money and offers tax benefits as well.

Benefits of National Savings Certificates (NSC)

National Savings Certificates (NSC) are one of the popular savings instruments offered by the Government of India through the Department of Posts. Their purpose is to incentivize people to save and invest over extended periods, all the while offering appealing returns. Here are some of the benefits of investing in National Savings Certificates:

Safe Investment: NSCs are backed by the Government of India, making them a safe and secure investment option. Investing in National Savings Certificates (NSCs) ensures the safety of the principal amount, with a fixed interest rate, ensuring a consistent and foreseeable yield.

Fixed Interest Rate: National Savings Certificates (NSCs) provide investors with a consistent interest rate set by the government, which remains unchanged for the duration of the investment. As a result, investors know in advance how much return they will receive on maturity.

Competitive Interest Rates: The interest rates offered on NSCs are generally competitive compared to other fixed-income instruments like bank fixed deposits. These rates are periodically revised by the government.

Tax Benefits: Investments made in NSCs qualify for a deduction under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act, 1961. The amount invested, subject to a maximum limit of Rs. 1.5 lakh per financial year, can be claimed as a deduction from the taxable income.

Long-Term Investment: NSCs have a relatively longer tenure, typically five or ten years, depending on the variant chosen. This encourages long-term savings and helps in building a corpus for future needs.

No Maximum Limit: There is no maximum investment limit for NSCs. Individuals can invest as much as they want, but the tax benefit is restricted to a maximum of Rs. 1.5 lakh per financial year under Section 80C.

No Market Risk: NSCs offer a stable investment choice, unaffected by market shifts, ideal for investors aiming for reliability in their portfolio without exposure to market volatility.

Availability: Investors, whether in bustling cities or remote villages, can conveniently obtain National Savings Certificates (NSCs) from selected post offices scattered throughout India.

Transferability: NSCs are transferable from one person to another, allowing investors to transfer the certificates to another family member if needed.

Loan Facility: After a certain period, NSCs can be used as collateral for obtaining loans from banks or other financial institutions.

Features of National Savings Certificates (NSC)

Here are the key features of National Savings Certificates:

Fixed-Term Investment: National Savings Certificates (NSCs) come with a set investment duration, commonly either five or ten years, based on the chosen type. Investors are unable to access their funds prematurely, unless under certain circumstances such as the demise of the certificate holder.

Interest Accrual and Payout: The interest on NSCs is accrued annually, but it is paid out only at maturity. However, for NSCs issued before 1st April 2016, the interest was compounded half-yearly until maturity.

Investment Amount: There is no maximum limit for investment in NSCs. However, the minimum investment amount is Rs. 100, and investments must be made in multiples of Rs. 100 thereafter.

Safety and Sovereign Guarantee: NSCs are considered a safe investment as they are backed by the Government of India. The principal amount invested in NSCs is guaranteed, and the interest rate is fixed, providing security to the investors.

Nomination Facility: Investors can nominate one or more individuals to receive the benefits of the NSC in the event of the investor’s death.

Premature Withdrawal: NSCs come with a set time frame for maturity, but in certain situations like the demise of the certificate holder or a legal directive, early withdrawal is permitted.

Eligibility of National Savings Certificates (NSC)

The requirements to invest in National Savings Certificates (NSC) in India are straightforward and encompassing. Any Indian citizen residing in the country can participate in NSC investments, provided they meet the subsequent criteria:

• Citizenship: NSCs are available only to Indian citizens.
• Age Limit: There is no specific age restriction for investing in NSCs. People of all ages, even those under 18, have the opportunity to invest in NSCs.
• Mode of Investment: Individuals have the option to buy NSCs either alone or in partnership with others. They can be issued in the name of a single holder or jointly to two or more individuals. For joint account holders, the total amount due upon maturity will either be disbursed to all holders together or to the surviving holder(s).
• Residential Status: NSCs are available for investment by individuals residing in both urban and rural areas. The availability of NSCs is not restricted to any particular region or location.
• Maturity Period: NSCs have a fixed maturity period, which is typically five or ten years, depending on the variant chosen. The maturity period starts from the date of purchase.
• Taxation: The interest earned on NSCs is taxable as per the investor’s income tax slab rate. The accrued interest is considered as reinvested, and this reinvested interest is eligible for a tax deduction under Section 80C, capped at a maximum of Rs. 1.5 lakh.

Documents required for National Savings Certificates (NSC)

To invest in National Savings Certificates (NSC) in India, you will need to provide certain documents to complete the application process. The documentation requirements are relatively simple and straightforward. Below is a list of the standard paperwork necessary when buying National Savings Certificates (NSCs):

KYC Documents: Know Your Customer (KYC) documents are essential to verify your identity and address. Generally, the following documents are accepted as proof of identity and address:

• Aadhaar card
• Passport
• Voter ID card
• Driving license
• PAN card (Permanent Account Number)

Passport-sized Photographs: You must include fresh passport-sized photos to attach to the NSC application form.

NSC Application Form: You’ll need to complete the application form for National Savings Certificates, which you can obtain from specific post offices that sell NSCs.

Nomination Form (Optional): If you wish to nominate someone to receive the benefits of the NSC in case of your unfortunate demise before maturity, you can fill out the nomination form.

Premature Closure or Early withdrawal from National Savings Certificate (NSC)

Premature closure or early withdrawal from National Savings Certificate (NSC) is possible under certain circumstances. Here’s the process:

1. Visit the Post Office: Go to the post office where you hold the NSC account.
2. Obtain the Premature Closure Form: Request the premature closure form from the post office staff. They’ll furnish you with the required paperwork and lead you step by step through the procedure.
3. Fill in the Form: Fill in the premature closure form with accurate details. Provide your personal information, NSC details, and the reason for early withdrawal.
4. Attach Required Documents: Please ensure to include all necessary documents outlined in the premature closure form. These may comprise proof of identity, NSC certificate, and any additional documents requested by the post office.
5. Calculate the Penalty: Closing an NSC before its maturity leads to a penalty, the amount of which changes based on how long you’ve held the certificate. The penalty is deducted from the total interest earned on the NSC.
6. Submit the Form: Submit the filled-in premature closure form along with the necessary documents to the post office counter. The personnel at the post office will confirm the information, determine any applicable penalties, and process your request for early closure without repeating any steps.
7. Receive the Withdrawal Amount: Once any relevant penalties are subtracted, the post office will furnish you with the remaining withdrawal sum. This amount will be lower than the maturity value of the NSC due to the penalty deduction.
8. Update NSC Certificate: The NSC certificate will be labeled as closed prematurely by the post office and then sent back to you.