Section 906 Certifications

I, Jonathan S. Horwitz, the Principal Executive Officer of the Funds listed on Attachment A, certify that, to my knowledge:

1. The form N-CSR of the Funds listed on Attachment A for the period ended July 31, 2017 fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

2. The information contained in the Form N-CSR of the Funds listed on Attachment A for the period ended July 31, 2017 fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Funds listed on Attachment A.

Date: September 28, 2017

/s/ Jonathan S. Horwitz

______________________

Jonathan S. Horwitz

Principal Executive Officer

Section 906 Certifications

I, Janet C. Smith, the Principal Financial Officer of the Funds listed on Attachment A, certify that, to my knowledge:

1. The form N-CSR of the Funds listed on Attachment A for the period ended July 31, 2017 fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

2. The information contained in the Form N-CSR of the Funds listed on Attachment A for the period ended July 31, 2017 fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Funds listed on Attachment A.

Date: September 28, 2017

/s/ Janet C. Smith

______________________

Janet C. Smith

Principal Financial Officer

Attachment A

N-CSR

Period (s) ended July 31, 2017

               Putnam Premier Income Trust

               Putnam Research Fund

               Putnam Investors Fund

               Putnam Tax-Free High Yield Fund

               Putnam AMT-Free Municipal Fund

               Putnam Growth Opportunities Fund

               George Putnam Balanced Fund

               Putnam Short Duration Income Fund

               Putnam Short Term Investment Fund

               Putnam Low Volatility Equity Fund

               Putnam RetirementReady — Funds:

               Putnam RetirementReady — 2060

               Putnam RetirementReady — 2055

               Putnam RetirementReady — 2050

               Putnam RetirementReady — 2045

               Putnam RetirementReady — 2040

               Putnam RetirementReady — 2035

               Putnam RetirementReady — 2030

               Putnam RetirementReady — 2025

               Putnam RetirementReady — 2020

               Putnam Retirement Income Fund Lifestyle 1