NPS vs EPF vs PPF: Best Retirement Plan for ₹1.5 Lakh Annual Investment

by Jobuza Team | May 15, 2025 | BLOG, Trending News

When planning for retirement, choosing the right investment scheme can significantly impact the size of your final corpus. In India, three of the most trusted and widely used retirement savings options are the National Pension System (NPS), Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF), and Public Provident Fund (PPF).

Each scheme comes with its own set of features, tax benefits, and returns. But if you’re investing ₹1.5 lakh annually, which of these three can help you build the largest retirement corpus over time?

Let’s compare NPS, EPF, and PPF in terms of structure, tax savings, returns, liquidity, and long-term gains.

Understanding the Basics

National Pension System (NPS)
NPS is a government-regulated pension scheme managed by the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA). It allows you to invest in a mix of equities, government bonds, and corporate debt, offering flexible asset allocation and higher return potential. NPS is ideal for those comfortable with some market-linked risk.

Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF)
EPF is a compulsory retirement savings scheme for salaried employees. Both the employee and employer contribute a fixed percentage of the salary every month. The fund earns interest at a rate declared annually by the government, making it a low-risk option with predictable growth.

Public Provident Fund (PPF)
PPF is a long-term savings option backed by the Government of India. It comes with a lock-in period of 15 years and offers a fixed interest rate, updated quarterly. PPF is popular among conservative investors seeking stability and tax-free returns.

Tax Benefits Compared

NPS:

• Deduction up to ₹1.5 lakh under Section 80C

• Additional ₹50,000 deduction under Section 80CCD(1B)

• At retirement, 60% of the corpus is tax-free, and 40% must be used to purchase an annuity, which is taxable

EPF:

• Eligible for deduction under Section 80C

• Interest earned and maturity amount are tax-free after five years of continuous service

• Offers Exempt-Exempt-Exempt (EEE) tax status under certain conditions

PPF:

• Entire investment qualifies for deduction under Section 80C

• Interest and maturity amount are completely tax-free

• Also follows the EEE tax regime

Returns and Risk Profile

NPS:

• Average returns range from 9% to 12%, depending on asset allocation and market conditions

• Higher return potential due to equity exposure, but carries some market risk

EPF:

• Offers stable returns around 8.25% annually

• Low risk, backed by government guarantees

• Suitable for long-term financial safety

PPF:

• Offers a fixed interest rate, currently at 7.1% (compounded annually)

• Completely risk-free

• Best suited for conservative investors

Liquidity and Withdrawal Rules

NPS:

• Partial withdrawals (up to 25% of contributions) allowed after three years for specific purposes

• Full withdrawal available at age 60

• 60% of the corpus can be withdrawn tax-free; the rest goes into an annuity

EPF:

• Partial withdrawals permitted for marriage, medical emergencies, education, and home purchase

• Full withdrawal allowed at retirement or after two months of unemployment

PPF:

• Partial withdrawals allowed after the seventh financial year

• Loans available against the balance from the third financial year

• Full withdrawal only after 15 years

Corpus Comparison with ₹1.5 Lakh Annual Investment Over 35 Years

Assuming no change in interest rates and consistent contributions:

• NPS (10% average return): ₹4.47 crore

• EPF (8.25% fixed return): ₹3.06 crore

• PPF (7.1% fixed return): ₹2.79 crore

These estimates are based on compounded annual returns and may vary with changes in policy rates or market performance.

Expert Insight

Financial experts often recommend a diversified approach rather than relying on a single investment avenue. NPS is suitable for investors seeking higher returns and comfortable with some market volatility. EPF and PPF, on the other hand, are better for risk-averse individuals who prefer guaranteed returns and capital protection.

Combining these schemes can help balance growth, stability, and tax efficiency — all key to building a secure retirement corpus.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Always consult a certified financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Credit Card Scam Alert: 5 Warning Signs You’re Getting a Fake Call

by Jobuza Team | May 14, 2025 | BLOG, Trending News

Credit Card Scam Alert: 5 Warning Signs You’re Getting a Fake Call

The growing adoption of credit cards across India, financial frauds especially those involving scam calls have become alarmingly common. These scams are not only well-planned but are constantly evolving, making it essential for consumers to stay alert and informed.

Understanding the warning signs of fake credit card calls is critical to protecting your financial security and long-term well-being. In this guide, we highlight five major red flags that indicate a potential scam, and share actionable steps for you can take to stay safe.

1. Unsolicited Calls Claiming to Be from Banks or the RBI

One of the most common credit card scams involves fraudsters impersonating representatives of reputed institutions such as the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), or popular commercial banks. They often claim there are issues with your credit card and may even threaten account suspension.

For instance, the Press Information Bureau (PIB) recently debunked a scam in which callers posed as RBI officials to mislead consumers. It is important to understand that legitimate financial authorities will never call you out of the blue with such threats. Always verify such claims by contacting the institution through its official website or helpline before taking any action.

2. Requests for Sensitive Personal Information

Legitimate banks will never ask for confidential details such as your credit card number, CVV, OTP, or ATM PIN over a phone call. Fraudsters, however, frequently use fake credit card enhancement offers or urgent notifications to lure victims into sharing this information.

A recent case involved a group operating near the Noida-Delhi border who tricked hundreds of people with fake offers, collecting their personal financial information and stealing money. To protect yourself, never disclose sensitive information to unsolicited callers, regardless of how convincing they sound.

3. Pressure Tactics and a False Sense of Urgency

Scammers rely heavily on creating panic. They may say your credit card is blocked, or that you have won a prize and must act immediately to claim it. These tactics are designed to force you into making snap decisions without verifying the authenticity of the call.

Genuine institutions will never pressure you into sharing details or making payments instantly. If a caller tries to rush or scare you, hang up immediately. Then, contact your bank directly using official channels to confirm whether there is any issue with your account.

4. Spoofed Caller IDs and Unusual Payment Requests

Some scam calls appear to come from an official number due to caller ID spoofing. In these cases, the number might look legitimate, but the person on the other end is a fraudster. They might also request payments through suspicious methods such as prepaid gift cards, e-wallets, or even cryptocurrency.

These are clear indicators of a scam. Authentic banks will always use traditional and secure payment methods, and will never ask for payment in unconventional forms.

5. Offers That Sound Too Good to Be True

Beware of unsolicited offers that seem overly generous—such as massive credit limit increases, lifetime free cards, or guaranteed cashback and rewards. While these offers may sound tempting, they are often a cover for phishing attempts.

Always verify any credit card offer by visiting the official website of your bank or calling their customer care number. Never trust offers received via unknown calls or messages without verification.

How to Protect Yourself from Credit Card Scam Calls

To stay safe from credit card fraud, follow these simple but effective practices:

• Verify Caller Identity: If you receive an unexpected call regarding your credit card, hang up and contact your bank’s official helpline to verify the claim.

• Never Share Personal Information: Refrain from sharing sensitive information like OTPs, CVVs, and PINs with anyone over the phone, especially if the call was unsolicited.

• Report Suspicious Calls Immediately: Notify your bank and local authorities about scam attempts. You can also file a complaint with the cybercrime cell or lodge an FIR at your nearest police station.

• Stay Informed: Educate yourself about common scam techniques, read up on financial safety measures, and always stay calm when dealing with suspicious calls.

Final Thoughts

Credit Card Scam Alert: Fake credit card calls are a serious threat to your financial well-being. However, by recognizing the red flags and staying vigilant, you can protect yourself and your loved ones from falling victim to fraud. When in doubt, always verify the information through official sources and never act in haste.

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EPFO Missed Call & SMS Service: Instantly Check Your PF Balance – Here’s How

by Jobuza Team | May 14, 2025 | BLOG, Trending News

New Delhi: Checking your PF balance no longer requires logging into portals or filling out lengthy forms. The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) now allows members to check their PF balance and recent contribution details using a simple missed call or SMS—quick, free, and hassle-free.

Who Can Use This Service?
To use this feature, your Universal Account Number (UAN) must be activated and linked to at least one KYC detail such as Aadhaar, PAN, or a bank account. Also, your mobile number should be registered with your UAN.

How to Check PF Balance via Missed Call

Follow these easy steps to get your PF balance using just a missed call:

1. Ensure your mobile number is linked with your UAN on the EPFO portal.

2. Make sure your UAN is KYC-compliant (linked to Aadhaar, PAN, or bank account).

3. Dial 9966044425 from your registered mobile number.

4. The call will disconnect automatically after two rings—there are no charges.

5. You’ll receive an SMS with your PF balance and last contribution details.

How to Check PF Balance via SMS

You can also check your PF details using a simple SMS:

1. Type EPFOHO UAN [Language Code] in your SMS app.

2. Send the message to 7738299899 from your registered mobile number.

For example, to receive details in English, type:

This service is available in multiple Indian languages including Hindi (HIN), Telugu (TEL), Bengali (BEN), and more.

ITR Filing 2025: Avoid These 5 Costly Mistakes When Filing Your Tax Return

by Jobuza Team | May 12, 2025 | BLOG, Trending News

ITR Filing 2025: 5 Common Mistakes to Avoid for a Hassle-Free Tax Return

ITR Filing 2025: Filing your Income Tax Return (ITR) accurately is more than just a financial obligation — it’s a smart way to avoid penalties, tax notices, and delays in refunds. As the assessment year 2025–26 begins, this is the perfect time to organize your financial documents such as salary slips, bank interest certificates, and investment proofs.

However, tax filing isn’t just about completing a form. Many taxpayers, even experienced ones, make small but costly mistakes. Here are the five most common errors you should steer clear of while filing your ITR this year:

1. Missing the ITR Deadline

The deadline to file your ITR for most salaried and individual taxpayers is July 31, 2025. Missing this date can result in a late filing fee of up to Rs 5,000, depending on how late you file. Additionally, you may lose the ability to carry forward certain losses or claim specific tax benefits. Timely filing also ensures a smoother refund process.

2. Choosing the Wrong ITR Form

Selecting the correct ITR form is crucial. Filing with the wrong form can delay processing or even result in your return being rejected.

• If you are a salaried individual earning up to Rs 50 lakh without capital gains or foreign income, ITR-1 (Sahaj) is usually the right form.

• If you have multiple properties, capital gains, or income from foreign assets, you will likely need ITR-2 or ITR-3 depending on your income sources.

Always verify the applicable form based on your income structure before filing.

3. Not Reporting All Sources of Income

Every source of income, however minor, needs to be reported. This includes:

• Interest from savings accounts, fixed deposits, and recurring deposits

• Dividend income

• Rental income

• Capital gains from stocks, mutual funds, or property sales

Even interest from dormant or less-used bank accounts must be disclosed. Omitting income, knowingly or unknowingly, can attract scrutiny and penalties from the Income Tax Department.

4. Ignoring Form 26AS and AIS Before Filing

Form 26AS and the Annual Information Statement (AIS) contain details of TDS (Tax Deducted at Source), advance tax payments, and high-value financial transactions. Comparing these with your ITR before submission is critical.

If there’s any mismatch — such as TDS not reflecting properly or a transaction you don’t recognize — get it resolved before filing. This verification step can save you from unnecessary delays or notices.

5. Failing to Verify Your ITR

Filing your return is not the final step — you must verify it within 30 days of submission. If not verified, the Income Tax Department will treat your ITR as invalid.

The fastest and easiest way to verify is online through Aadhaar OTP, net banking, or EVC (Electronic Verification Code). Skipping this step is one of the most common reasons for ITRs being considered incomplete.

Final Thoughts

Filing your ITR accurately and on time helps maintain a clean financial record and ensures quicker refunds. Avoiding these common mistakes can save you time, money, and potential legal issues.

If you’re unsure about any part of the process, consult a trusted tax advisor or use a government-approved e-filing platform. Being proactive now can help you avoid complications later.

Can Pressing ‘Cancel’ Twice at an ATM Prevent Debit Card PIN Theft? Government Clarifies

by Jobuza Team | May 9, 2025 | BLOG, Trending News

Can Pressing ‘Cancel’ Twice at an ATM Prevent Debit Card PIN Theft? Government Clarifies

Debit Card: A viral message circulating on social media claims that pressing the ‘cancel’ button twice before inserting your debit card into an Automated Teller Machine (ATM) can protect you from PIN theft. The message, falsely attributed to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), advises users to adopt this method to avoid keypad tampering and safeguard their financial information.

What Does the Viral Message Claim?

The widely shared message reads: A very useful tip while withdrawing money from an ATM. Press ‘cancel’ twice before inserting your card. If someone has tampered with the keypad to steal your PIN, it will get deactivated. Please make this a habit every time you use an ATM.

At first glance, this tip seems like a simple precaution. But is it really effective?

The Truth Behind the Claim

This claim is false and misleading. According to PIB Fact Check, the official fact-checking handle of the Government of India, this message is fake. No such advisory has been issued by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).

There is no evidence or official guideline from the RBI stating that pressing the ‘cancel’ button twice can deactivate fraud devices or prevent PIN skimming. The government has clarified that this practice does not provide any security benefit and warned the public not to rely on or spread such unverified claims.

RBI Has Not Endorsed This Practice

The RBI has never advised ATM users to press the ‘cancel’ button before inserting their debit card as a safety measure. While it’s always wise to stay vigilant at ATMs, users should follow verified security guidelines issued by their bank or official government channels, rather than relying on social media “hacks” that offer a false sense of protection.

Real ATM Safety Tips You Should Follow

For safe ATM usage, it’s important to follow genuine security advice. According to ICICI Bank, here are some essential precautions:

• Memorize your PIN. Never write it down or store it with your card.

• Never share your PIN with anyone—not even friends or family.

• Protect your PIN entry. Use your hand or body to shield the keypad while entering your PIN to prevent “shoulder surfing.”

• Avoid accepting help from strangers at the ATM, whether for card use or cash withdrawal.

• Press the ‘cancel’ button before leaving the ATM to end your session and ensure no one else can access your account.

• Take your transaction slip and card with you. If you don’t need the slip, shred it to protect your information.

• Report lost or stolen cards immediately to your bank to block unauthorized transactions.

• Verify deposits made via ATM by checking your account statement within a few days. Report any discrepancies to your bank promptly.

• Contact your bank if your card is stuck or cash is not dispensed during a transaction.

• Raise complaints directly with your bank for any unauthorized ATM, debit, or credit card transactions.

Stay Informed with Verified Information

While the viral message may have been shared with good intentions, spreading unverified advice can lead to a false sense of security and may leave you vulnerable to real threats. Always follow security tips from official sources like the RBI, your bank, or PIB Fact Check.

For accurate information about banking safety and fraud prevention, rely only on trusted channels. Staying alert, informed, and cautious is the best way to protect your financial security.