Senior Citizen Savings Scheme, or SCSS for short, is a government-sponsored savings programme for people over 60. This programme was launched by the Indian government in 2004 with the goal of giving retirees a reliable and secure source of income during their post-retirement years.
It is one of the most profitable savings plans in India and provides subscribers with fairly significant returns. Additionally, because it is a government-backed programme, there is very little chance of suffering a capital loss. People can apply for SCSS at post offices, public banks, and private banks.
Features of Senior Citizen Savings Scheme:
The following paragraphs outline the attributes of SCSS:
Interest rates are revised every quarter.
The interest rate provided under the Senior Citizen Savings Scheme is reviewed every three months, and its determination is based on a number of variables, including market rates, the rate of inflation, etc. Rates may stay the same after revision if the economy is stagnating or if there has been little change.
Fixed Earnings
The interest rate that was stated at the time of investment remains constant for the duration of the maturity period and is unaffected by changes made in a subsequent quarter.
Some more features of Senior Features of Savings Scheme:
Minimum and Maximum Deposit
The Senior Citizen Scheme requires those who qualify to register an account with a Rs. 1,000 minimum deposit. The deposit quantity is also limited to Rs. 15 lakh or the retirement benefit obtained, whichever is less.
For instance, if a person receives a retirement pension of Rs 10 lakh, he may invest up to that amount in the plan. Regardless of whether the account is owned singly or jointly, this paragraph is applicable. The only type of account that can be opened is a joint one with your spouse.
Additionally, if a person has many accounts under this plan, the total sum deposited across all of those accounts cannot go beyond the allowed amount.
Maturity Tenure
The SCSS scheme’s maturity period is 5 years. It may be extended for a total of 3 more years, making the total time available 8 years. If someone wants to prolong such a time frame by three years, they must properly complete out Form B and submit it. Only one extension is permitted. However, if the extension were granted, the interest rates in effect that quarter would be used.
For instance, in April 2012, when the interest rate provided was 9.3%, a person deposited Rs. 7 Lakh under the SCSS. However, the interest rate she was qualified to receive was 7.4% when she extended this programme in April 2017.
Premature Withdrawals and Account Closure
One year after the account is opened, a person may take an early withdrawal from their Senior Citizen Savings Scheme account. If an individual closes their account before the period of two years has passed, a penalty of 1.5% of the amount deposited will be applied.
Additional features:
- Quarterly payments
Those who open a Senior Citizen Savings Scheme account are qualified to receive quarterly disbursements against their deposited funds. An individual’s account will get with the interest payment on the first of April, July, October, and January.
- Deposit Method
If the sum is less than Rs. 1 lakh, a person can choose to deposit cash, but if it exceeds Rs. 1 lakh, they must pay by cheque.
- Nomination facility
People may designate a nominee when they open their Senior Citizen Savings Scheme accounts or at a later time. The nominee will be qualified to receive the required sum in the event that the account holder passes away before the account matures.
- Significant Returns
In the past, SCSS has a reputation for offering its customers interest rates that are competitive with those of other saving plans such fixed deposits, recurring deposits, etc.
How to open an account?
Any Indian post office or private or governmental bank can open a SCSS account for you.
Go to the bank or post office closest to you.
Completely fill out Form A
Submit all required documentation, including address and identification evidence, in original form and as photocopies.
Produce age proof
Eligibility under SCSS:
The group of people listed below are qualified to create an account under the Senior Citizen Savings Account:
Those who are 60 years of age or older.
People who are 55 years old but have retired early in accordance with superannuation or Voluntary Retirement Scheme (VRS) criteria.
retired members of the armed forces, providing they have met all other requirements.
NRIs (non-resident Indians), PIOs (persons of Indian origin), and any HUF member are not eligible to create an account under the plan.
Documents required:
- Aadhaar Card
- Voter ID card
- PAN card
- Passport
- Telephone bill
- Electricity bill
- Birth certificate/senior citizen card
- 2 passport-sized photographs
These documents need to be self-attested.
Tax implications of SCSS:
Given its security of money, strong returns, and additional tax benefits, SCSS is one of the best investment options for older citizens.
Section 80C of the Income Tax Act of 1961 permits tax deductions for principle deposits made into SCSS accounts up to a maximum of Rs. 1.5 lakh. This exemption, however, is only valid under the current tax laws.
However, the interest is subject to taxation according to the taxpayer’s applicable tax bracket. Additionally, TDS is applicable if an individual’s interest income in a year exceeds Rs. 50,000.
Additional links:
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