Hi, My new employer is giving me an option to choose if I want to contribute 12% of basic to PF or just 2%. My initial thought was to go with the 2% option and invest the remaining 10% in ELSS/PPF for better returns and liquidity. However, what about an equal contribution by the employer? Their contribution is reduced from total Income, right? Please note that employer contribution to PF is part of CTC, not above CTC.
It seems it is best to maximize PF contribution to 12% so that employer's contribution will be exempt upto 12% also. Or have I got it wrong?