What's the Difference Between a Provident Fund and a Pension Fund?

Susan Kelly

Aug 01, 2022

There are a variety of pension and provident funds across the world, each with its unique set of benefits. Many countries in Asia and Mexico have similar systems to Social Security, which are known as provident funds. A retirement benefit equivalent to a percentage of a participant's working income is often provided through pension funds or defined-benefit plans, which employers and governments offer. Most of the changes are in the methods used to collect contributions and pay out benefits.

The Provident Fund

A government-run retirement fund is known as a "provident fund." In most cases, they are mandated by law, frequently by taxation, with the employer and the employee contributions. The minimum age for withdrawals, as well as the maximum amount that may be withdrawn, are regulated by governments.

Provident funds are comparable to 401(k) accounts in that workers contribute to their retirement accounts rather than a joint account, unlike the Social Security system in the United States. It's important to note that 401(k) accounts and provident funds vary in that the account owner makes investment decisions, while the government makes investment decisions for the government.

Pension Fund

It is standard for employers and employees alike to contribute to a pool of funds for their employees' benefit through a pension plan. As a result of the investments, the workers' retirements will be financially secure once they have left the workforce.

Employers, not the government, are often in charge of managing pension funds instead of provident funds. Individual participants may be able to pick investments and contribution levels in some pension plans, but most provident funds require mandatory contributions and invest only in centrally managed funds.

In contrast to Social Security, some provident funds are held in the names of individual beneficiaries rather than in a single trust fund. A pension fund's benefits are akin to an annuity, but a provident fund's benefits give much more flexibility in payment.

Which Is Better, a Provident Fund or a Pension Fund?

In terms of retirement plans, Provident Funds and Pension Funds are both excellent options. Various factors, such as who is eligible, how much money is returned, and how much money is contributed, make them distinct. Because of this, public employees are required by law to participate in a pension plan.

Investors can take advantage of tax reductions by investing in the NPS and the EPF. Investors benefit from increased returns and the opportunity to diversify their portfolios. An investor's NPS account should have an annual investment of at least Rs. 50,000, according to industry experts. Section 80C of your EPF account allows you to save up to Rs.1.5 lakh if you have a greater equity investment exposure.

How To Invest In Provident Fund

The Securities and Exchange Commission must have jurisdiction over investments made using provident funds. Following the "Provident Fund Act," employees can contribute 2% to 15% of their monthly salaries to the fund. But employers may decide how much to contribute, as long as it's in line with their policies.

Know The Employer's Contribution Shares And Periods

A provision in the "Provident Fund Act" permits employers to choose the percentage of monthly wage payments that employees must make to the fund, ranging from 2 percent to 15 percent. Consequently, employer contributions will be based on how the fund plan is set up. Employee contributions are matched dollar for dollar by the employer.

Thus the more employees donate, the more the latter contributes. Depending on how long an employee has been with the firm, the employer may elect to increase the contribution rate progressively.

Choose An Employee-Appropriate Investment Plan

Aside from how much of a person's pay is withdrawn and paid to the provident fund each month, the fund's growth and the investment policy. When it comes to investing, most employees have no idea which plan is best for them.

Consider your employees' goals and risk tolerance when deciding on an investing strategy. For example, most people in provident funds choose investments that don't align with their risk tolerance and expectations, making it difficult to save enough money for their post-retirement needs.

Employee Contributions Are Tax Deductible Up To 500,000 THB Per Year

Remember that donations to the provident fund can be utilized as a tax deduction is essential for the employee. Tax deductions for employee contributions to retirement funds, pension life insurance, and other retirement-related funds, such as the Retirement Fund, and Savings Fund, are limited to a combined total of 500,000 baht each year, according to the Revenue Department.

Conclusion

Employees can get compensation for years of service through the government's Provident Fund and Pension Fund programs. Employees might take it all or part out when they need money from their provident fund for things like home building, illness, a wedding, or a child's schooling. Pension funds allow just one-third of their value to be taken.


Privacy Policy | Terms of Use

Copyright 2019 - 2023

Contact us at : [email protected]