Investing in a Post Office Savings Scheme? Make sure PAN-Aadhaar details match - here’s why it’s important

Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY) is a savings plan for girls that offers full tax benefits. SSY is meant to help families save for a girl's higher education and marriage costs. To invest in the Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana, you can open an SSY account as soon as your girl child is born, and up until she's 10 years old. What are the Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana interest rate, minimum deposit, maturity date and tax benefits? We take a look at 10 things you should know: (AI image)

Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana offers an interest rate of 8.2% per annum, compounded yearly. The rates are subject to periodic (quarterly) changes as notified by the Ministry of Finance. The calculation of interest will be based on the lowest balance in the account, considering the period between the sixth day and the last day of the calendar month. The crediting of interest to the account will take place at the conclusion of each FY. (AI image)

To open a Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana Account, a minimum deposit of Rs 250 is required. You can deposit a maximum of Rs 1.5 lakh per financial year, in multiples of Rs 50. There is no limit on the number of deposits within a financial year. (AI image)

Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana Calculator: If we assume an annual lump sum investment of Rs 1.5 lakh in the Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana at the current interest rate of 8.2%, then at the time of maturity, the account holder will get Rs 71,82,119/- This includes the investment amount of Rs 22,50,000/- and the total interest of Rs 49,32,119/- as per the HDFC Bank website. (AI image)

A Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana account can be opened by a guardian for a girl child under 10 years of age. A family can open only one account per girl, with a maximum of two accounts. However, in cases of twin or triplet girls, more than two accounts can be opened. (AI image)

Deposits can be made for up to 15 years from the Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana account's opening date. If the minimum deposit is not made in any financial year, the account becomes inactive. It can be reactivated by paying Rs 250, plus a Rs 50 default fee for each year missed. (AI image)

Deposits into a Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana Account are eligible for a tax deduction under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act, with a limit of up to Rs 1.5 lakh per financial year. Additionally, the interest earned on these accounts is entirely tax-free, providing significant tax savings for investors. (AI image)

The Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana account is managed by the guardian until the girl child turns 18. Once she reaches that age, she can take over and operate the account on her own. (AI image)

Withdrawals from the Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana account are allowed once the girl child reaches 18 years or has passed the 10th standard. Up to 50% of the balance at the end of the previous financial year can be withdrawn, either as a lump sum or in installments (not more than once a year) over a maximum of five years. (AI image)

The Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana account can be closed prematurely after 5 years in specific circumstances, such as the death of the account holder, life-threatening illness, or death of the guardian. Supporting documents and an application form are required for closure. (AI image)