Difference Between VPF and PPF
Voluntary Provident Fund (VPF) and Public Provident Fund (PPF) are different.
Voluntary Provident Fund (VPF)
The Voluntary Provident Fund allows an employee to contribute more than 12% towards their PF account. In VPF, the employee can contribute up to 100% of their basic salary plus Dearness Allowance (D.A.). However, the employer will not match the employee's contribution beyond 12%.
Public Provident Fund (PPF)
The Public Provident Fund is a savings tool, a tax-free investment option, and a better retirement policy for those who do not have any pension scheme enrolled. Essentially, any person above 18 years of age may open this account in a post office, SBI, or any nationalized bank. You do not need to be employed; you may be a businessman, consultant, etc. The minimum deposit is ₹500, and the maximum is ₹100,000. You can also take a loan against the PPF account, subject to a certain percentage of the deposit in the account.