The post-office monthly income scheme (MIS) provides for monthly payment of interest income to investors. It is meant for investors who want to invest a sum amount initially and earn interest on a monthly basis for their livelihood. The MIS is not suitable for an increase in your investment. It is meant to provide a source of regular income on a long term basis. The scheme is, therefore, more beneficial for retired persons.

Only one deposit is available in an account. Only individuals can open the account; either single or joint.( two or three). Interest rounded off to nearest rupee i.e, 50 paise and above will be rounded off to next rupee. The minimum investment in a Post-Office MIS is Rs 1,000 for both single and joint accounts. The maximum investment for a single account is Rs 3 lakh and Rs 6 lakh for a joint account. The duration of MIS is six years.

Premature closure of the account is permitted any time after the expiry of a period of one year of opening the account. Deduction of an amount equal to 5 per cent of the deposit is to be made when the account is prematurely closed. Investors can withdraw money before three years, but a discount of 5%. Closing of account after three years will not have any deductions. Monthly interest can be automatically credited to savings account provided both the accounts standing at the same post office. The interest income accruing from a post-office MIS is exempt from tax under Section 80L of the Income Tax Act, 1961. Moreover, no TDS is deductible on the interest income. The balance is exempt from Wealth Tax.