đŚÂ What Is the Post office MIS?
The Post office Monthly Income Scheme (MIS) is a governmentâbacked fixedâincome savings plan where you deposit a lump sum with the post office and receive guaranteed monthly interest for a fixed tenure.
âď¸ Tenure: 5 Years
âď¸ Interest Payout: Monthly (credited to your account)
âď¸ Risk Level: Very low (100% governmentâguaranteed)
đ°Â Interest Rate & Returns
The interest rate is reviewed by the government of india every quarter. The current rate is around 7.4% per annum, paid monthly.
Example (approximate):
- âš1,00,000 investment â ~âš617 per month
- âš5,00,000 investment â ~âš3,083 per month
- âš9,00,000 investment (maximum for single account) â ~âš5,550 per month
So, a higher lumpâsum deposit generates a higher monthly income (but the rate stays fixed for the tenure).
đ How Much Can You Invest?
- Minimum investment: âš1,000 (you can start with small amounts)
- Maximum investment (single account): âš9,00,000
- Maximum (joint account): âš15,00,000 (up to 3 adults)
Joint accounts are common for couples, as they allow a larger total investment and higher monthly interest.
đŞÂ How You Get Paid
Once the account is opened:
- Interest starts being paid one month after investment.
- Every month, your interest amount is credited directly to your savings account at the post office or linked bank account.
Unlike many fixedâincome plans that pay quarterly or annually, MIS gives monthly cash flow, which can help with regular expenses like bills or household needs.
đ Premature Withdrawal Rules
While the full tenure is 5 years, you can exit early after the first year â but there are penalties:
- 1â3 years: 2% penalty on the principal
- 3â5 years: 1% penalty on the principal
If you withdraw before 1 year, you may not get any interest.
đ Key Benefits
âď¸Â Safe and GovernmentâBacked
Your capital is fully secured by the government of india â MIS is reliable even when markets fluctuate.
âď¸Â Steady Monthly Income
You receive fixed monthly interest, ideal for budgeting and meeting recurring expenses.
âď¸Â Affordable & Flexible
You can start with as little as âš1,000 and invest more as per your capacity.
âď¸Â Joint Account Facility
Couples and family members can open a joint MIS to increase total investment and monthly returns.
đ§žÂ Tax and Other Things to Know
- Interest earned is fully taxable under âIncome from Other Sources.â (No tax deduction under Section 80C.)
- No TDS is deducted at source on MIS interest, though you must report it while filing income tax returns.
đ Who Is It Best For?
MIS is particularly suitable for:
- Retired individuals seeking steady cash flow
- Homemakers and those without regular salary
- People who want governmentâbacked safety and uncomplicated returns
- Those needing monthly income for living expenses
In Summary
The Post office Monthly Income Scheme (MIS) offers a simple and secure way to earn fixed monthly income through governmentâassured interest. With reasonable deposit limits, monthly payouts, and easy accessibility â itâs a solid choice for conservative investors who value stability and predictability over market volatility.
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Disclaimer:
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency, organization, employer, or company. All information provided is for general informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, reliability, or suitability of the information contained herein. Readers are advised to verify facts and seek professional advice where necessary. Any reliance placed on such information is strictly at the readerâs own risk.
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