The NPS Tier 2 Account is a voluntary savings facility linked to the National Pension System (NPS) in India. It offers flexible investment options and easy withdrawals, catering to those seeking an additional investment option. However, the NPS Tier 2 comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. You can learn more about them in this article.
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An NPS Tier II account is a voluntary investment account associated with your National Pension System (NPS) account. Unlike Tier I, which is mandatory for retirement savings, Tier II offers more flexibility for your savings.
However, contributions to Tier II do not qualify for tax deductions, unlike Tier I contributions.
Features of an NPS Tier 2 Account
Below are the features of the NPS Tier 2 account:
Feature
Description
Contribution Type
Voluntary
Eligibility
Available to Indian citizens and NRIs aged 18-70 years.
Minimum Contribution
Initial contribution: ₹1,000;Â
Subsequent contributions: ₹250 per transaction.
Contribution Flexibility
No minimum contribution limit during the year. Change contribution amount annually.
Maximum Contribution
No upper limit.
Investment Options
Similar to NPS Tier 1: Equity (E), Corporate Bonds (C), Government Securities (G), and Alternative Investments (A).
Investment Choice
Select from a variety of Pension Fund Managers (PFMs) and investment options (equity, debt, etc.).
Withdrawal
No lock-in period. Funds can be withdrawn anytime.
Tax Benefits
No tax benefits on contributions.
Account Maintenance
No annual maintenance charges.
Account Transfer
Can be transferred from one POP (Point of Presence) to another.
Additional Features
- Nominate a beneficiary to receive account proceeds. - Transfer funds from Tier II to Tier I account.
Regulator
Regulated by the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA).
Advantages and Disadvantages of an NPS Tier 2 Account
NPS Tier 2 accounts offer flexibility, tax benefits, and accessibility. However, limitations, including no pension payouts, tax implications, and investment restrictions, pose challenges. Below, you can see the advantages and disadvantages of engaging with NPS Tier 2 for your retirement plan:Â
Advantages
Disadvantages
Liquidity: No lock-in period, funds can be withdrawn anytime.
No Tax Benefits: Contributions are not eligible for tax deductions.
Flexibility: No restrictions on withdrawals.
Lower Priority: Often considered as a secondary option compared to Tier 1.
Low Cost: Low fund management charges similar to Tier 1.
No Mandatory Savings Discipline: Lack of lock-in period may discourage long-term savings discipline.
Professional Management: Managed by professional fund managers.
Tax on Gains: Withdrawals are subject to capital gains tax.
Flexible Contributions: No upper limit on contributions and minimum contribution amounts are low.
Not Ideal for Long-Term: May not be the best option for long-term retirement savings due to the lack of tax benefits.
Ease of Access: Can be easily accessed for short-term financial needs.
Separate from Tier 1: Separate from Tier 1 account, requiring different management and monitoring.
There are two main criteria to open an NPS Tier II account:
Existing Tier I Account: You must already have an active Tier I NPS account and a Permanent Retirement Account Number (PRAN) assigned. Tier I accounts are mandatory for certain demographics, but Tier II is voluntary.
Age and Residency: You must be an Indian citizen (Resident/ NRI/ OCI) between 18 and 70 years of age.Â
NOTE: There is no upper age limit to continue contributing to an existing Tier II account once you have opened it, but you cannot open a new one after 70.
How to Open an NPS Tier 2 Account?
There are two ways to open an NPS Tier 2 account:
Online:
Visit the eNPS website and click 'National Pension System'.
Click on 'Tier 2 Activation' in the pop-up.
Enter your PRAN number, Date of Birth, PAN number, and Captcha.
Click 'verify PRAN'.
After PRAN verification, your Tier 2 account will be activated.
Offline:
Use the 'Subscriber's POP-SP' to open a Tier 2 account.
Fill out the Annexure 1 Tier 2 information form and send it to the POP-SP.
Submit your bank details for direct withdrawal from the NPS Tier 2 account.
After PRAN account setup, you will receive a login ID and password to access your NPS account online.
In Conclusion
NPS Tier 2 presents a flexible and accessible investment avenue with tax advantages. However, the absence of guaranteed returns, tax implications, and limited fund choices underscore the need for careful consideration. Balancing its advantages and disadvantages is the key to informed retirement planning.
No, Tier 2 NPS contributions don't offer any tax benefits. Unlike Tier 1, you can't deduct your contributions from taxable income.
Is NPS Tier 2 better than FD?
Not necessarily. Tier 2 offers flexibility and higher potential returns than FDs but comes with market risks and no guaranteed returns. It depends on your investment goals and risk tolerance.
Is NPS Tier 2 good for the short term?
No, Tier 2 NPS isn't ideal for short-term goals. It's meant for long-term wealth creation due to lock-in periods and potential market volatility.
How the policyholder may avail NPS tier 2 tax benefit?
You can not avail of tax benefits under section 80c and 10(10D) on your contributions to the NPS Tier 2 account. For a better understanding of nps tax benefits, use policy bazaar nps calculator.
Can a private employee enjoy the NPS tier 2 tax benefit?
No, private employees cannot enjoy tax benefits on contributions made to their Tier 2 NPS accounts.
How can I make a withdrawal from an NPS tier 2 account?
To withdraw from the NPS Tier 2 account, you must submit a duly filled UOS-S12 (form) to the associated POP-SP (Power of presence- service provider).
Can I enjoy NPS tier 2 tax benefits in case of withdrawal from NPS tier 2 account?
In case of withdrawal from an NPS tier 2 account, you cannot avail of the NPS tier 2 tax benefit.
Are NRIs eligible to open an NPS Tier 2 account?
Yes, an NRI is eligible to open an NPS Tier 2 account. The country in which you are residing does not matter. You just need to be a citizen of India. If your citizenship is changed, your account will be closed.
Who is the regulator for NPS?
Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority is an authority set up by the Government of India, which regulates pension funds to protect the interests of subscribers. All the activities, including withdrawal from NPS tier 2 and NPS tier 2 tax benefits are operated by its regulator.
Are withdrawal from NPS tier 2 proceeds provided through cash or demand draft?
No, withdrawal from NPS tier 2 proceeds are credited directly to the bank account of the subscriber. Therefore, the subscriber must have a bank account before creating an NPS account.
Who is a POP-SP, and what is their role?
Points of Presence are the initial interaction points that provide several customer services to the NPS subscriber. They act as collection points and extend their services for withdrawal from NPS tier 2 accounts.
What are the documents that are needed to be submitted for opening an NPS account?
Several documents are needed to open an NPS account-
Subscriber Registration Form
Identity VerificationÂ
Address Proof
Age/Date of Birth Proof
Identity, address, and DOB can be verified through a single document, i.e., an Aadhar card but sometimes separate documents are required.
Can I open a tier 2 account without a tier 1 account?
No, you cannot open a Tier 2 account without a Tier 1 account. The Tier 2 account is considered an add-on feature to the NPS Tier 1 account. In order to activate a Tier 2 account, you must already have a Tier 1 account established and possess a Permanent Retirement Account Number (PRAN).
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