What is Post Office Monthly Income Scheme (POMIS)?
Post Office Monthly Income Scheme (POMIS or MIS) is a government-backed savings scheme offered through post offices across India. As the name suggests, it provides investors with a regular fixed monthly income for a tenure of 5 years. The principal (invested amount) is returned at the end of the tenure, making it a capital-safe income-generating instrument.
POMIS is ideal for retirees, senior citizens, and conservative investors who require a steady monthly income without risking their principal. Unlike FDs that typically pay interest quarterly, POMIS is unique in providing monthly payouts — making it useful for covering regular expenses like rent, utility bills, or EMIs.
POMIS Calculation Formula
POMIS does not compound interest. The monthly interest is calculated as a simple fraction of the annual rate:
Total Interest = Monthly Income × 60 (5 years × 12 months)
Maturity Value = P (principal returned at end of 5 years)
Where:
P = Investment Amount (₹)
r = Annual Interest Rate (%)
1200 = 12 months × 100
For example, if you invest ₹5,00,000 at 7.4% p.a.: Monthly Income = 5,00,000 × 7.4 / 1200 = ₹3,083 per month. Over 5 years (60 months), total interest = ₹1,85,000. At maturity, you get back your ₹5,00,000 principal.
Investment Limits
- Minimum investment: ₹1,000 (in multiples of ₹1,000).
- Maximum investment — Single account: ₹9,00,000 per individual.
- Maximum investment — Joint account: ₹15,00,000 (with up to 3 joint holders).
- Multiple accounts: You can open multiple MIS accounts, but the total investment across all accounts (individually and as a joint holder) cannot exceed the specified limits.
Current POMIS Interest Rate
The current Post Office MIS interest rate is 7.4% per annum (as of 2024), paid out monthly. This rate is set by the Government of India and revised quarterly. You can verify the current rate at any post office or on the India Post website before investing.
Tax Implications of POMIS
- No Section 80C benefit: Unlike PPF, NSC, or ELSS, POMIS investment does not qualify for any tax deduction. The principal invested is not deductible from taxable income.
- Interest is taxable: The monthly interest payouts are fully taxable as "Income from Other Sources" in the year they are received. You must declare this income in your ITR.
- No TDS on MIS: Post Office MIS does not deduct TDS. However, if the total interest income from all sources exceeds the basic exemption limit, you are responsible for paying advance tax or self-assessment tax.
- Principal return: The principal received at maturity is not taxable as it is a return of your own capital.
Premature Withdrawal Rules
- No premature withdrawal is allowed within the first year of opening the account.
- After 1 year but before 3 years: 2% of the principal is deducted as penalty before returning the balance.
- After 3 years but before 5 years: 1% of the principal is deducted as penalty.
- In case of the account holder's death, the nominee can close the account and receive the full principal along with accrued interest proportionate to the period held.
Advantages of POMIS
- Guaranteed monthly income: Provides predictable, stable monthly cash flow — ideal for retirees relying on regular income.
- Government-backed safety: Principal is fully guaranteed by the Government of India — zero credit risk.
- Capital preservation: Unlike equity or mutual fund investments, the principal invested is returned intact at maturity.
- Competitive rate: At 7.4% p.a., POMIS often outperforms bank savings accounts and competes with short-term FDs.
- Nationwide accessibility: Available at all 1.5+ lakh post offices across India, including rural areas with limited banking access.
- Joint account option: Allows investment up to ₹15 lakh jointly, enabling families to maximise income generation together.