Budget+: Why retirement savings are starting to matter more for your tax planning

Feb 2, 2026 | 16:02 IST

Image: AI

With retirement planning gaining importance among working professionals, it is useful to understand how long-term options like EPF, PPF and NPS compare in terms of tax benefits, liquidity and returns

Employees’ Provident Fund Scheme (EPF including VPF)

WHAT IS IT? All salaried individuals, except govt employees, can contribute to EPF. You and your employer both contribute 12% each of your monthly salary (basic wages, dearness allowance and retaining allowance) every month. But you can choose to contribute even up to 100% of your salary towards Voluntary Provident Fund (VPF).

TOI

TOI

Budget+: Why retirement savings are starting to matter more for your tax planning

With retirement planning gaining importance among working professionals, it is useful to understand how long-term options like EPF, PPF and NPS compare in terms of tax benefits, liquidity and returns

{{{h1}}}

{{{h1}}}

{{{h3}}}

{{{offerprice}}}

{{{h3}}}

{{{offerprice}}}

{{{h1}}}

{{{h1}}}

{{{h1}}}

{{h2}}

{{{h1}}}

{{h2}}

{{{h1}}}

{{h2}}

Your Privacy is Important to us

Opt out of the sale or sharing of personal information

TOI

Budget+: Why retirement savings are starting to matter more for your tax planning

With retirement planning gaining importance among working professionals, it is useful to understand how long-term options like EPF, PPF and NPS compare in terms of tax benefits, liquidity and returns

{{{h1}}}

{{{h1}}}

{{{h3}}}

{{{offerprice}}}

{{{h3}}}

{{{offerprice}}}

{{{h1}}}

{{{h1}}}

{{{h1}}}

{{h2}}

{{{h1}}}

{{h2}}

{{{h1}}}

{{h2}}