The National Pension Scheme (NPS) is one of the ideal retirement plans, backed by the Central Government.

From tax exemptions to flexibility regarding deposits and withdrawals, this monetary scheme comes with some salient features. Additionally, it offers two kinds of account preferences, NPS Tier 1 and Tier 2, where both have certain benefits associated with it.

So, if you are wondering which one will be more suitable for you, the following information might help. Give it a read!

Tier 1 in the National Pension System (NPS) is the core retirement savings account, mandatory for all subscribers. It's designed for long-term savings until retirement, typically at age 60. Contributions are locked in, with limited withdrawals permitted for specific purposes. 

Under this scheme, you can withdraw up to 60% of the total amount you have accumulated after your retirement. The remaining 40% of the corpus is utilised to buy annuities to secure a regular monthly income source in the form of a pension.

Tier 2 in the National Pension System (NPS) is an optional investment account that offers greater flexibility and liquidity compared to Tier 1. Unlike Tier 1, Tier 2 NPS has no lock-in period, allowing subscribers to withdraw funds anytime. 

You can opt for a Tier 2 NPS account with a minimum investment of ₹1000. The withdrawal process generally takes three days to get funds transferred from the trustee’s bank account to yours. You can either withdraw the entire corpus as a lump sum or go for multiple withdrawals without any limit.

When deciding between NPS Tier 1 and Tier 2, it's essential to consider their relevance to your financial goals and needs. Here's a guide to help you choose:

NPS Tier 1

Following are the conditions under which you can choose NPS Tier 1:

• Long-term Retirement Planning: If your primary goal is to build a retirement corpus over the long term, Tier 1 is the ideal. It offers tax benefits and savings contributions locked in until retirement age.

• Tax Savings Priority: Tier 1 provides tax deductions on contributions under Section 80CCD(1) of the Income Tax Act, making it advantageous for individuals seeking tax savings.

• Disciplined Savings: If you prefer a structured savings plan with limited withdrawal options to ensure your retirement savings remain intact, Tier 1 is suitable for you.

NPS Tier 2

Following are the conditions under which you can choose NPS Tier 2:

• Short-term Financial Goals: If you have short-term financial goals or need liquidity for emergencies, Tier 2 is more relevant. It offers greater flexibility with no lock-in period, allowing you to withdraw funds anytime.

• Additional Savings Avenue: Tier 2 serves as an additional savings avenue for individuals who want to invest in a diverse range of asset classes beyond Tier 1. It's suitable for those looking for versatility in managing their investments.

• Tax Efficiency: While Tier 2 does not provide tax benefits on contributions, the capital gains are taxed at the investor's applicable income tax slab rate, offering tax-efficient returns for short-term investments.

• Retirement Focus: Tier 1 NPS is specifically crafted for retirement planning, emphasising long-term financial security. Contributions are locked in until retirement age, fostering disciplined savings for your golden years.

• Tax Efficiency: Contributions to Tier 1 NPS offer tax benefits under Section 80CCD(1) of the Income Tax Act, enabling significant tax savings. Additionally, an extra deduction of up to ₹50,000 is available, enhancing tax efficiency.

• Diverse Investment Options: Tier 1 NPS provides a diverse range of investment choices, including equities, government bonds, corporate bonds, and alternative assets. This allows investors to customise their portfolios.

• Regulated Structure: It operates within a regulated framework overseen by the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA), ensuring transparency, safety, and accountability in fund management.

• Flexibility and Accessibility: Tier 2 NPS offers greater flexibility and accessibility than Tier 1. No lock-in period allows subscribers to withdraw funds anytime without penalties.

• Additional Savings Avenue: Tier 2 NPS serves as an additional savings avenue. It offers the flexibility to invest in various asset classes and adjust investment strategies according to changing financial needs.

• Tax-Efficient Returns: While Tier 2 NPS contributions do not provide tax benefits, the capital gains are taxed at the investor's applicable income tax slab rate. This tax-efficient approach enhances returns.

• Convenient Management: Tier 2 NPS accounts can be conveniently managed online through the NPS portal or mobile app, providing ease of access and real-time monitoring of investments.

A substantial retirement corpus and tax-saving come as a huge help when your professional income starts to recede. Here are some benefits you need to know about when investing in this scheme – 

• All NPS Tier 1 subscribers can claim tax deductions of up to ₹1.5 lakhs under Section 80CCE.
• Tier 1 investors are also eligible for an additional deduction of up to ₹50000 under Section 80CCD (1B). Keep in mind that this rebate is over and above the ₹1.5 lakh deduction under Sec 80CCD (1) of the Income Tax Act, 1961.
• In case of partial withdrawals, 25% of the withdrawn amount is exempt from taxes.
• If you choose to invest in an annuity, the entire invested amount is free from taxation. Nevertheless, income from the annuity will draw taxes at applicable rates.
• In case of lump sum withdrawal after attaining 60 years of age, up to 40% of the amount is exempt from taxes. The remaining is used to purchase an annuity whose returns are taxable.

Keep such factors in mind and claim substantial tax discounts while filing your ITR. However, keep in mind that all such benefits are limited to Tier 1 NPS account holders alone.

National Pension System (NPS) investments are open to a wide range of individuals, including employees from the public, private, and unorganised sectors, as well as self-employed professionals. Here's a breakdown of who qualifies for NPS investments:

• Must be an Indian citizen between 18 and 65 years, including residents and non-residents.

• NPS is open to individuals of all age groups, allowing flexibility in retirement planning at any career stage.

• Should be legally competent to execute a contract as per the Indian Contract Act.

• Should meet the KYC (Know Your Customer) requirements.

Yes, individuals can invest in both Tier 1 and Tier 2 accounts simultaneously within the National Pension System (NPS). While Tier 1 is focused on long-term retirement planning with tax benefits and restrictions on withdrawals, Tier 2 offers flexibility and liquidity without a lock-in period. 

By investing in both tiers, individuals can balance their retirement savings with short-term financial goals and liquidity needs, providing a comprehensive approach to financial management.

Understanding the meaning and distinction between NPS Tier 1 and Tier 2 is crucial for understanding their diverse benefits. 

By comprehensively assessing their financial objectives and risk preferences, individuals can strategically utilise both tiers to achieve a well-rounded approach to wealth management within the National Pension System.