Key differences between Tier 1 and Tier 2 in National Pension System (NPS)

Pension plans are beneficial as they help meet your financial needs after retirement. A National Pension System (NPS) is one such plan that offers a suitable investment option for your retirement years. The scheme provides numerous features and benefits, from tax rebates to various withdrawal and deposit flexibility. Additionally, these plans come with two account preferences, i.e., Tier 1 and Tier 2. Each tier has unique benefits, with each discussed below.

Tier 1 and Tier 2 in NPS
 

Tier 1 and Tier 2 are two types of NPS accounts. Both have a similar structure and charges, but you must have a Tier 1 account to open a Tier 2 NPS account. A Tier 1 NPS account requires an initial minimum investment of ₹500. After that, you can invest in multiples of 1000 every year to build a retirement corpus.

Once you reach 60 years, you can withdraw up to 60% of your accrued corpus, while the remaining 40% will be consumed to buy an annuity for a regular pension after your retirement. On the other hand, you can open a voluntary Tier 2 account with a minimum investment of ₹1000 and withdraw whenever you wish, just like a savings account.

An added advantage that an NPS offers is tax exemption on investments of up to ₹2 lakh rupees with a maximum deduction of 10% of the salary. In addition to NPS, several other investment options can help you save on income tax.

IDFC FIRST Bank offers high-yielding fixed deposits (FDs) with interest rates up to 7.25% per annum. Moreover, investments of up to ₹1.5 lakhs in IDFC FIRST Bank FDs can be claimed under tax deductions. Watch the video below to learn more.

What are the differences between Tier 1 and Tier 2 NPS accounts?
 

A Tier 1 account is mandatory for opening a Tier 2 NPS account. However, the key difference between a Tier 1 and Tier 2 account lies in the deposit and withdrawal flexibility. Both accounts are designed for retirement purposes, but based on your financial requirements, you can utilise funds from your NPS account as per their terms and conditions. Here are the common differences between Tier 1 and Tier 2 NPS accounts.

1. Eligibility criteria
 

Individuals aged between 18 to 60 years can open a Tier 1 NPS account with a minimum investment of ₹500. However, as far as Tier 2 accounts are concerned, individuals holding Tier 1 accounts can only open Tier 2 NPS accounts.

2. Minimum number of investments per year
 

Tier 1 investors must invest at least once per year to keep the account active. However, there is no such rule for a Tier 2 account holder.

3. Lock-in period
 

The lock-in period for Tier 1 NPS accounts is until the account holder turns 60. However, Tier 2 account holders have no lock-in period.

4. Tax benefits
 

Tier 1 NPS account holders are eligible for tax exemptions on the contribution of up to 1.5 lakhs per year under Section 80C. They can also avail of a tax benefit of up to ₹50,000 on Section 80CCD (1B). In contrast, Tier 2 NPS account holders can’t avail of any tax benefits.

You can hold a Tier 1 or Tier 2 NPS account, depending on your financial needs. However, you need to have a Tier 1 account to open a Tier 2 NPS account. Tier 1 account offers growth for building adequate corpus after retirement, while Tier 2 NPS accounts provide liquidity and easy access to your funds.

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