NPS Scheme Contribution - Benefits and Online Minimum and Maximum Contributions
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Introduction NPS (National Pension Scheme)

NPS, or the National Pension System (or Scheme) is a long-term, voluntary investment plan under the purview of the Central Government and the PFRDA (Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority). It is a voluntary and government-regulated retirement savings scheme designed to provide financial security and income during an individual's retirement years. It was introduced by the Government of India as part of its pension reform initiatives. NPS offers individuals the opportunity to invest systematically during their working years, with the accumulated savings being made available in the form of a pension upon retirement.

NPS provides a structured and tax-efficient way to build a retirement corpus, making it an attractive choice for individuals seeking long-term financial security and stability during their post-employment phase.

What is NPS contribution?

National Pension System contribution refers to the regular deposits individuals make into their NPS accounts to build a corpus for retirement. Employees and self-employed individuals can contribute to NPS, fostering long-term savings.

The contributions are invested in a mix of equity, fixed deposits, and government funds, ensuring portfolio diversification. This disciplined approach allows individuals to accumulate wealth over time, providing financial security in retirement.

Notably, NPS contributions offer tax benefits according to the old tax regime under Section 80CCD(1) and 80CCD(1B) of the Income Tax Act, encouraging individuals to proactively invest in their future financial well-being.

NPS Contribution Options

  • Tier-I (Retirement Account)

Mandatory for Employees: This tier receives contributions from the employee and employer. It is a retirement account with limited pre-retirement withdrawals and tax benefits.

Voluntary for Self-Employed Individuals: Self-employed Individuals can contribute voluntarily to Tier-I, enjoying the tax benefits associated with these contributions.

  • Tier-II (Investment Account)

Voluntary Account: This account allows only individual contributions and is optional. It provides the flexibility of 100% withdrawal anytime without tax benefits. However, tax benefits are applicable only to Tier-I contributions.

Requires Tier-I Account: Tier-II can't be opened without a Tier-I account.

 

Contribution Flexibility

  • Employee Contributions (Tier-I)

Contributions for Employees: A percentage of the employee's salary and Dearness Allowance (DA) is usually contributed towards Tier-I. The employee may choose the amount within the prescribed limits, offering some flexibility. This is upto 10% of the Basic + DA

Voluntary Contributions for Self-Employed Individuals: Self-employed individuals can contribute voluntarily to Tier-I at their discretion within the prescribed limits for tax benefits.

  • Employer Contributions (Tier-I)

Employer’s contribution upto 10 percentage of the employee's Basic Salary + Dearness Allowance (DA) to the employee's Tier-I account. The contribution limit is subject to a specified cap for tax benefits.

Benefits of NPS Contributions

The benefits of the NPS scheme are not limited just to securing your financial future: NPS contributions also decrease your income tax liabilities. Let’s explore these and other benefits in detail.

1. Tax Benefits:

NPS provides substantial tax benefits, making it an attractive investment avenue. The tax benefits are available in different forms:

  • Tax Deductions: National pension contributions made towards NPS are eligible for tax deductions under various sections of the Income Tax Act, such as Section 80CCD(1) and 80CCD(1B), according to the older tax regime.
  • Employer Contribution: Employers contributing to an employee's NPS account can also claim deductions under Section 80CCD(2).
  • Exempt-Exempt-Exempt (EEE) Status: The contributions, the growth of the investment, and the final corpus withdrawal remain tax-exempt, providing a tax-efficient retirement savings avenue.
 

2. Long-Term Savings

NPS facilitates systematic and disciplined savings, allowing individuals to accumulate a significant corpus for retirement. Its long-term nature encourages regular contributions, harnessing the power of compounding to grow the retirement fund over time.

 

3. Financial Security Post-Retirement

NPS and its benefits ensure financial security during your retirement years. The contributions made during employment can be availed as a regular pension after retirement, offering a steady income stream.

 

4. Flexible Investment Options

NPS provides various investment options, including equities, government securities, corporate bonds, and alternate investment funds. Subscribers can choose their investment mix based on their risk tolerance and retirement goals.

How to Make NPS Contribution

You must subscribe to the scheme to make NPS scheme contribution. You will receive a PRAN (Permanent Retirement Account Number), which you can use to make NPS contribution online or offline.

1. Creating an NPS Account and Logging In:

  • Go to "myNPS" on the Kotak NPS website.
  • Choose your preferred registration method: Aadhaar Paperless Offline eKYC, PAN-based registration, Driving License Registration, Registration using Aadhaar through Digilocker, or KYC verification by the POP.
  • Ensure your mobile number and email are linked as required.
  • Complete the necessary authentication process (Aadhaar, PAN or Driving License verification).
  • Upload the essential documents: photograph, signature, PAN card, Cancelled Cheque, etc.
  • Make the initial contribution payment online (minimum amount Rs 500) to open a Tier I account.

 

2. Selecting Contribution Amounts and Frequencies:

  • Visit Kotak website (pre-login).
  • Navigate to the investment & insurance => Government scheme => National pension scheme (NPS) and then click on the banner contribute here .
  • Choose the contribution amount you wish to make.
  • Select the frequency of contributions: monthly, quarterly, or annually.

 

3. Contributing to NPS:

  • Locate the 'Contribute' or 'Add Funds' section.
  • Enter the contribution amount.

NPS Contribution Online

Making an NPS voluntary contribution online is fast and easy. Visit the NSDL website at https://enps.nsdl.com/eNPS/InitialExistingUser.html and enter the requested details.

 

NPS Contribution Online

Minimum Contribution to NPS

You must contribute at least Rs. 1,000 per year to maintain your NPS account and enjoy the NPS advantages.

Voluntary Contributions in NPS

There are no minimum or maximum limits to the voluntary contributions in NPS. You can contribute at your convenient pace and build a corpus to enjoy the national pension system benefits.

Total Contributions in NPS

Out of the NPS total contribution, you can withdraw a certain percentage in a lump sum at retirement and receive the remaining amount in monthly instalments as a post-retirement pension.

Contribution Guidelines and Process

Here are a few necessary details about the NPS contribution guidelines and procedures:

  • Subscriber Services – Contribution: To make your monthly NPS contribution, you can reach the subscriber services section to make a subsequent contribution.
  • Contributions through eNPS: Visit the NSDL website at https://enps.nsdl.com/eNPS/InitialExistingUser.html to log in to your NPS account.
  • PRAN (Permanent Retirement Account Number): Enter your PRAN number.
  • Date of Birth Requirements: Enter your date of birth in DD/MM/YY format.
  • NPS Subscriber Types: Select your subscribe type from NPS CRA.
  • Request OTP and Captcha: Request an OTP via SMS or email and enter the captcha.
  • Language Selection: Select your preferred language.
  • UPI Contribution: Enter your NPS contribution details to pay via UPI.
  • Error Rectification: Confirm the details and fix any errors.
  • Contribution Payment Modes: Select your preferred mode of payment.

Minimum and Maximum NPS Tier 1 Contribution

Find details about the minimum and maximum contribution in the National Pension Scheme and other NPS scheme benefits for Tier 1 contribution.

NPS Minimum Contribution Rs. 1,000 per year
NPS Maximum Contribution No limitation on the number of contributions
Frequency of NPS scheme contribution Any time during a fiscal year
Tax Benefit Maximum Rs. 2 Lakh in a year under Section 80CCD

Minimum and Maximum NPS Tier 2 Contribution

Find details about the minimum and maximum contribution in National Pension Scheme and other NPS benefits for Tier 2 contribution.

NPS Minimum Contribution Optional contribution with no minimum amount specified
NPS Maximum Contribution No limitations on the number of contributions
Frequency of NPS scheme contribution Any time during a fiscal year
Tax Benefit No tax benefits, but indexation benefits when redeeming long-term investments in a Tier 2 account

Age Limit for NPS Contributions

You can begin NPS contribution from as early as 18 years of age until you are 70. The account matures when you turn 60, but you can extend it to 70 and continue contributing to it for extra NPS account benefits.

Conclusion

Contributing to the National Pension System (NPS) online provides a secure and structured retirement planning gateway. The manifold benefits of NPS contributions, including tax advantages, long-term savings potential, and flexible investment options, make it an appealing avenue for individuals seeking financial stability post-retirement.

The step-by-step guide elucidates the process of opening an NPS account and making contributions through Kotak Mahindra Bank's platform, offering individuals the means to plan for a financially secure future. Embracing the NPS scheme empowers individuals to embark on a journey towards a stable retirement by leveraging its diverse benefits and investment flexibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the contribution rule for NPS?

If you deposit 10% of your salary into your NPS account, the government pays a matching contribution to let you build wealth until retirement.

Q: How many times can I contribute to NPS?

There is no limit to the number of times you can make a contribution in National Pension Scheme.

Q: How can I pay NPS online?

Visit the NSDL website at https://enps.nsdl.com/eNPS/InitialExistingUser.html and enter a few necessary details to make an NPS contribution online.

Q: What is NPS's Total Contribution?

NPS total contribution is the amount you accumulate in your NPS account with regular contributions.

Q: How do I pay my NPS voluntary contribution?

Visit the NSDL website at https://enps.nsdl.com/eNPS/InitialExistingUser.html to pay your NPS voluntary contribution.

Q: How much contribution can be made to NPS?

For a Tier 1 account, you must contribute at least Rs. 1,000 per year to maintain the account. There is no minimum or maximum limit to the NPS Tier 2 account.

Q: Documents Required: Aadhaar Paperless Offline eKYC-based registration

  • A valid Mobile number and Email ID
  • Uploading the eKYC Aadhaar xml file
  • Scanned copy of signature in .jpeg/.jpg/*.png format (4KB - 5MB each)
  • Scanned copy of Canceled Cheque in .jpeg/.jpg/*.png format (4KB - 2MB each)
  • Online payment of initial contribution (Minimum amount ₹ 1000) as onetime account opening fees of Rs. 400 is required plus minimum contribution of Rs. 500)

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Disclaimer: This Article is for information purposes only. The views expressed in this Article do not necessarily constitute the views of Kotak Mahindra Bank Ltd. (“Bank”) or its employees. The Bank makes no warranty of any kind with respect to the completeness or accuracy of the material and articles contained in this Article. The information contained in this Article is sourced from empaneled external experts for the benefit of the customers and it does not constitute legal advice from the Bank. The Bank, its directors, employees and the contributors shall not be responsible or liable for any damage or loss resulting from or arising due to reliance on or use of any information contained herein. Tax laws are subject to amendment from time to time. The above information is for general understanding and reference. This is not legal advice or tax advice, and users are advised to consult their tax advisors before making any decision or taking any action.