What Is The Difference Between I Bonds And EE Bonds?

Series I bonds and series EE bonds are the two categories of savings bonds now offered by the US Treasury. Whether you choose one over the other is determined by current interest rates as well as your expectations for future interest rates and inflation.

EE Bond and I Bond Similarities

  • Both EE and I bonds are sold at face value and pay monthly interest that is compounded semiannually for a period of 30 years.
  • After 12 months, both I and EE bonds can be redeemed or cashed. If you cash it during the first five years, you’ll be charged three months’ interest.
  • Both are totally tax exempt if used to pay for qualified higher education expenses and are exempt from state and local taxes.

EE Bond and I Bond Differences

  • EE bonds have a fixed interest rate for the duration of the bond, whereas I bonds have rates that are changed to protect against inflation.
  • If kept for 20 years, EE bonds provide a guaranteed return that doubles your investment. With I bonds, there is no certainty of a profit.
  • Individual EE bond purchases are limited to $10,000 per year, whereas I bond purchases are limited to $15,000 per year.

Scudillo advises investors to note that series EE bonds are guaranteed to double in value over the course of 20 years, but series I bonds have no such guarantee. If interest rates and inflation remain low, EE bonds, which are guaranteed to double in value every 20 years, may be the best option. Given the lower trending inflation rates over the last few decades, doubling your money would take longer. However, if inflation rises significantly, I bond holders will come out on top. Regrettably, the only method to determine which bond earns more over time is to look backwards.

Is it better to invest in Series EE or I bonds?

If an I bond is used to pay for eligible higher educational expenses in the same way that EE bonds are, the accompanying interest can be deducted from income, according to the Treasury Department. Interest rates and inflation rates have favored series I bonds over EE bonds since their introduction.

Is it wise to invest in I bonds?

  • I bonds are a smart cash investment since they are guaranteed and provide inflation-adjusted interest that is tax-deferred. After a year, they are also liquid.
  • You can purchase up to $15,000 in I bonds per calendar year, in both electronic and paper form.
  • I bonds earn interest and can be cashed in during retirement to ensure that you have secure, guaranteed investments.
  • The term “interest” refers to a mix of a fixed rate and the rate of inflation. The interest rate for I bonds purchased between November 2021 and April 2022 was 7.12 percent.

What is the maturity date of a Series I savings bond?

Depending on the series you own, savings bonds mature at various intervals.

After 30 years, Series I savings bonds, also known as “I bonds,” reach their full maturity. You can, however, redeem them up to one year after purchase. If you pay them out early, you’ll forfeit the past three months of interest, so make sure you really need the money.

Series I bonds provide a fixed rate of interest that is adjusted for inflation. The I bond rate is 7.12 percent as of November 2021.

Is it possible to convert EE bonds to I bonds?

  • What are the benefits of trading my paper bonds in TreasuryDirect for electronic securities?
  • I have bonds that I am entitled to, but they do not bear my name.
  • Is it possible for me to exchange these?
  • Will my bond be automatically redeemed and the interest earned reported if it matures after I trade it?
  • What happens if I convert a paper bond that is registered solely in my name, as a co-owner, or as a co-owner with a beneficiary?
  • Is it possible for me to show or cash my converted bonds to another TreasuryDirect account holder?
  • What happens if I exchange a paper bond in the name of someone else, including a minor?
  • Will the issue date of my electronic securities match the issue date of the paper bonds I submit?
  • Will the interest rate on my electronic securities be the same as on my paper bonds?
  • Will the maturity period of my electronic securities be the same as that of my paper bonds?
  • Is the minimum holding period for electronic securities the same as it is for paper bonds?

What is the SmartExchange conversion feature within TreasuryDirect?

Holders of paper Series E, EE, or I savings bonds can trade them in for electronic securities of the same series and issue dates in a special Conversion Linked Account within their TreasuryDirect online account using the SmartExchange function.

TreasuryDirect accounts allow owners to buy, sell, and redeem Treasury securities electronically, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, using a secure Internet connection with the Treasury Department.

TreasuryDirect sells Series EE and I savings bonds, as well as Treasury bills, notes, bonds, and inflation-protected securities.

Who can exchange their paper savings bonds for electronic securities?

Any owner of a TreasuryDirect account, whether they are the sole owner, a co-owner, or an owner with a beneficiary. Owners of accounts can also trade paper bonds received as gifts for others, as well as bonds acquired through inheritance or other changes in ownership.

Account Managers for certain entities, such as trusts, estates, and businesses, can open TreasuryDirect accounts and convert bonds. See Entity Accounts are a type of account that is used to track the assets of a company. The registration of all securities in an entity account is the same as the entity account name. Documentary evidence may be required to support the transaction if the submitted bonds are not registered in the entity’s name.

What are the advantages to trading my paper bonds for electronic securities in TreasuryDirect?

Owners of electronic securities have more freedom and convenience than those who own paper securities. Consider the following scenario:

  • Electronic bonds can be redeemed in full or in part at any time – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week – and the funds put into the owner’s savings or checking account. On the next working day, the cash should be available. There is no need to visit a financial institution, and there are no limits on how many bonds or how much money can be redeemed at any given time if the basic conditions are completed.
  • At any time, you can see your online holdings and their current valuations.
  • There is no paper that can be lost or damaged by accident.
  • Owners of accounts can modify the registration of their bonds at any moment or transfer the securities to another account (some ownership restrictions apply; transfers may result in a taxable event).

What bonds can I exchange?

You can convert Series E, EE, and I paper bonds that you possess alone, with a co-owner, or with a beneficiary. You can also convert paper bonds that you’ve received as a gift for someone else or that you’ve inherited or acquired through another means of ownership change.

Can I trade in matured bonds?

Yes, if you submit a matured bond, TreasuryDirect will automatically redeem the bond and deposit the funds in your Primary Account as a Zero-Percent Certificate of Indebtedness. You can utilize all or portion of the proceeds to buy additional securities or redeem the C of I for cash in your bank account. For the tax year in which the bond is redeemed or matures, the interest earned on it must be reported to the IRS.

Can I trade in bonds I’ve bought as gifts?

Yes, you can exchange bonds that you received as a gift. Any bond you’ve purchased in someone else’s name is considered a gift. The bonds are deposited in your Conversion Linked Account Gift Box once they have been converted. In an entity account, gift bonds are not available.

What happens to gift bonds I exchange that are matured?

Gift bonds that have reached their final maturity date are automatically redeemed by TreasuryDirect. Each bond redemption will be listed in your Conversion Linked Account Gift Box “matured gift profits” under the owner’s name. Similarly, if a converted gift security expires before you send it to the recipient, TreasuryDirect automatically redeems it and records a notation in the recipient’s account “proceeds from a matured gift.” From the Conversion Linked Account Gift Box, you can deliver the money to the owner. You’ll need the owner’s TreasuryDirect account number to deliver the funds.

Before you can give savings bonds as gifts, you must keep them in your TreasuryDirect account for at least five working days. Treasury is protected against loss by the five-day hold, which ensures that the ACH debit has been performed satisfactorily before the cash can be moved.

When you deliver gift money, the interest earned is reportable for that year under the recipient’s Social Security number. In entity accounts, gift bonds are not available.

I have bonds that I’m entitled to but my name isn’t on them.Can I exchange these?

Yes, you can trade in the bonds; however, you may need to provide proof of your transaction. After we get the bonds, we will contact you and give you the necessary information to finalize the transaction. In some cases, more processing time may be necessary.

When can I begin converting my bonds?

As soon as you create your Conversion Linked Account, you can start converting your savings bonds. To create the Conversion Linked Account, follow these steps:

  • Navigate to ManageDirect and select “Establish a Conversion Linked Account” from the “Manage My Linked Accounts” menu. When you click on that link, you’ll be sent to a website with some information as well as a button.
  • To create your Conversion Linked Account, click the icon. The Account Info page for that account will appear after you do so.
  • Select the ManageDirect tab from the drop-down menu. A menu labeled ManageDirect can be found on the ManageDirect page “I’m in charge of my conversions.”
  • Make a click on the “How to Convert My Paper Bonds” is a link that will show you how to convert your paper bonds. This page offers detailed instructions that will walk you through the entire procedure. We recommend printing this page so you can refer to it when you’re getting started.

Gather your Series E, EE, and I savings bonds and sort them according to their titles and connectors (“OR,” “POD,” or “beneficiary”). Grouping your bonds by registration will make the process of entering the bonds you want to convert much easier.

If you need to access your Conversion Linked Account at a later time, go to your principal Account Summary page and look for “My Converted Bonds” in the account listing under “Linked Accounts Information.”

When I trade in my bonds, will the interest earned be reported to the IRS?

No, the interest received on your bonds will not be reported to the IRS at the time of conversion if they have not reached maturity.

If my bond matures after I exchange it, will it be automatically redeemed and the interest earned reported?

Yes, unless you have arranged a redemption, TreasuryDirect automatically redeems your bond at maturity and acquires a Zero-Percent Certificate of Indebtedness with the proceeds once it is in electronic form. For that tax year, the interest collected on the security is reported to the IRS.

Should I sign the request for payment on the back of the bonds?

Please do not autograph your savings bonds on the back. We can convert the bonds because of your signature on the conversion manifest.

Is My Converted Bonds and Conversion Linked Account the same thing?

Yes, TreasuryDirect has assigned your Conversion Linked Account the name My Converted Bonds. You can change the name of your Conversion Linked Account by going to the Account Info tab, clicking “Edit,” and then entering a new name in the Personalized Account Name field.

What happens when I convert a paper bond registered in my name alone, as co-owner, or as owner with a beneficiary?

When the exchange is accepted in individual accounts, a security registered in the same way as a paper bond is released to Current Holdings in your Conversion Linked Account. All securities in entity accounts have the same registration as the entity account name.

What transactions can I conduct with the securities I trade in?

With two exclusions, you can engage in any electronic securities transaction. For a while,

A transaction to remove the name of a security registered in the names of two people as co-owners.

Because the consent of the other co-owner is required, it must be done offline.

by means of us Similarly, deleting the name of a Series E security’s intended recipient necessitates

As a result, we must handle that individual’s consent offline.

Can I let another TreasuryDirect account holder see or cash my converted bonds?

You can provide View and Transact permissions in TreasuryDirect. If you have the security registered in your name,

You can grant and remove View permissions to another TreasuryDirect account owner based on their name alone.

A security that is registered to you as the owner and has a beneficiary allows you to give and withdraw permissions at any time.

Only the chosen beneficiary has access to the information. If, on the other hand, it’s a Series E security with a

You can only grant View privileges to the selected beneficiary, and once granted, you can’t take them away.

The rights cannot be revoked. Similarly, you can give a co-owner of a property View and Transact rights.

You can’t reverse these powers after they’ve been granted. Registration as a co-owner

securities that have been given View rights can be changed to grant Transact rights, but not the other way around.

View. In entity accounts, View and Transactrights are not available.

What happens when I exchange a paper bond registered in the name of another person, including a

minor?

When the exchange is approved, the person receives a security that is registered in his or her name.

Gift Box in your Conversion Linked Account (whatever bond you’ve purchased in someone qualifies).

a gift under someone else’s name). If the electronic security contains the person’s Social Security Number,

You can send it to the recipient’s TreasuryDirect account online if you’re the owner.

We will assist you offline if the security does not bear the owner’s Social Security Number.

Prior to delivery, fill out the registration form. In entity accounts, gift bonds are not available.

How do I deliver a converted gift security?

The receiver must have a TreasuryDirect account in order to receive a converted gift security. If the converted gift security bears the owner’s Social Security Number, you can deliver it to the recipient’s TreasuryDirect account online by selecting it from the Conversion Linked Account Gift Box and following the delivery instructions.

Will my electronic securities have the same issue date as the paper bonds I turn in?

Yes, each electronic security will have the same issue date as the paper bond you provided, as well as the same current redemption value.

Will my electronic securities earn the same rate of interest as my paper bonds?

Yes, based on the series and issuance date, paper bonds and electronic securities earn the same rate of interest.

Will my electronic securities have the same maturity period as my paper bonds?

Yes, based on the series and issue date, paper bonds and electronic securities have the same maturity time.

Is the minimum holding period the same on electronic securities as paper bonds?

Yes, electronic securities and paper bonds have the same minimum holding duration. One year is the current minimum holding period.

How do I redeem my bonds after they are exchanged?

Via the same way that you request redemption of an electronic security purchased in TreasuryDirect, you can schedule a complete or partial redemption through your TreasuryDirect account.

In TreasuryDirect, what do the “Amount” and “Current Value” columns show?

The figure in the “The “Amount” column shows how much you paid for a bond. (This isn’t the bond’s face value if you converted a series EE bond from paper to electronic.) If you bought a $100 Series EE savings bond in paper form, for example, you would have paid $50. The “Amount” column in TreasuryDirect will show “$50” if you swap it for an electronic bond in a TreasuryDirect account.) The figure in the “The “Current Value” column displays the bond’s current value, which is comprised of the purchase price plus accumulated interest.

Is it possible to lose money on I bonds?

NEWS: The new Series I savings bonds have an initial interest rate of 7.12 percent. I bonds can be purchased at that rate until April 2022.

  • Is it necessary to get my signature certified if I cash my bonds by mail using FS Form 1522?
  • Does it make sense to cash my old I bonds that were issued at a lower rate and acquire new I bonds when the interest rate on new I bonds is high?
  • How can I find out what my I bond’s current interest rate and redemption value are?
  • I observed savings bonds were being auctioned on auction sites like eBayTM, but I assumed they were non-transferable. What is the mechanism behind this?

If I cash my bonds by mail, using FSForm 1522, must I have my signature certified?

It is debatable. You can send us a copy of your driver’s license, passport, state ID, or military ID instead if the current redemption value of your bonds is $1,000 or less.

When the interest rate on new Ibonds is high, does cashing my old I bonds that were issued at a lower rate andbuying the new bonds make sense?

Notnecessarily. Your I bond’s rate fluctuates every six months, and it may be higher now than when you first bought it. A new I bond had a rate of 3.54 percent in May 2021, for example. A new I bond has a rate of 1.38 percent in November 2013. In May 2021, however, the bond issued in November 2013—which had a rate of 1.38 percent at the time—had a rate of 3.74 percent. It has a higher interest rate than the bond due in May 2021.

How canI find the current interest rate and current redemption value of my I bond?

Go to your TreasuryDirect account to order an electronic I bond. Use the Savings BondCalculator to calculate a paper I bond.

How is the interest rate of an I bond determined?

  • A fixed rate of return that does not change over the life of the I bond.
  • Variable semiannual inflation rate for all urban consumers based on changes in the Consumer Price Index (CPI-U). The rates are announced by the Bureau of the Fiscal Service every May and November. The difference between the CPI-U statistics from the preceding September and March is the semiannual inflation rate announced in May; the difference between the CPI-U figures from the preceding March and September is the inflation rate announced in November.

The interest rate on an I bond is sometimes referred to as the composite rate or the overall rate because it combines two rates.

When are earnings added to the I bond?

I bonds gain value on the first of every month, and interest is compounded semiannually based on the issuance date of eachI bond. The issuance date of an I bond is the month and year in which the bond is fully paid.

What is the difference between EE and I bonds?

The EE bonds we sell now have a set rate of interest and are guaranteed to double in value in 20 years, regardless of the rate. Today’s I bonds earn a variable rate of interest that is linked to inflation; as inflation happens, the bond’s value rises. An I bond’s value isn’t guaranteed to rise to a set level.

Are there tax benefits to using I bonds to finance education?

Yes. You may be able to totally or substantially exclude savings bond interest from federal income tax under the Education Savings Bond Program. When you pay qualified higher education expenses at an eligible institution or through a state tuition plan in the same calendar year that you redeem eligible I and EE bonds issued in January 1990 or later, this can happen. When purchasing bonds, you are not needed to state that you intend to use them for educational purposes, but you must ensure that the program’s conditions are completed; some apply when the bond is purchased (s). See IRS Publication 970, “Education Tax Benefits.”

Electronic bonds as gifts

You can buy an electronic I bond as a gift for someone and keep it in your TreasuryDirect account’s “Gift Box” until you’re ready to give it to them.

You must submit the recipient’s Social Security Number if you buy an electronic I bond as a gift. To be able to transfer the bond to the gift receiver, they must first open or already have a TreasuryDirect account. A parent must open a TreasuryDirect account and link it to a Minor Linked account if the receiver is a minor. The gift bond will be delivered to the Minor Linked account. If the receiver does not have a TreasuryDirect account, you may keep an EE or Ibond that you bought as a gift until it matures.

Paper I bonds as gifts purchased with your IRS tax refund

I bonds make excellent gifts for a variety of events. A paper I bond can be mailed to you using your tax refund so that you can personally hand it to the receiver. Download a gift card when you purchase the I bond. On the I bond, the word “gift” will not display.

If you’re buying an I bond as a gift and don’t know the recipient’s Social Security number, just use your own. Despite the fact that your number will be printed on the bond, you will not be charged any taxes, and it will not go against your yearly purchase limit. The Social Security Number is only needed to trace the savings bond in the event that it is lost, stolen, or destroyed.

How do I file a claim for lost, stolen, or destroyed paper I bonds?

Write to Treasury Retail Securities Services, PO Box 214, Minneapolis, MN 55480-0214 to file a claim. You’ll have to fill out FS Form 1048. (download or order).

Before we can look for your security record, we need the following information:

  • serial number of the bond — If you don’t have the serial number for the bond, submit all of the following information, which may be on the bond(s):

Where can I bonds be redeemed?

You can redeem electronic I bonds through the TreasuryDirect program if you have them. You can cash paper I bonds at some local financial institutions or by mail if you own them.

When can I cash (redeem) an I bond if I need the money?

After 12 months, you can cash in your Series I bonds at any time. You’ll get your original purchase price plus any interest earned. I bonds are supposed to be held for a longer period of time; if you redeem one inside the first five years, you will forfeit the last three months’ interest. If you redeem an I bond after 18 months, for example, you’ll get the first 15 months of interest back.

Can EE or E bonds be exchanged for I bonds?

No, but you can sell your EE or E bonds and use the money to purchase I bonds. The interest on the EE or E bonds must be declared on your federal income tax return for the year they were cashed.

What are Gulf Coast Recovery Bonds?

From March 29, 2006, through September 30, 2007, Gulf Coast Recovery Bonds were issued. This special I bond designation was made to encourage continuing public support for hurricane recovery activities in the region. A clause in the Gulf Opportunity Zone Act of 2005 encouraged Treasury to make this designation. The proceeds from the sale of savings bonds went into the Treasury’s general fund and were spent pursuant to appropriations authorized by Congress and signed into law by the President, including those for Gulf Coast rehabilitation.

I noticed savings bonds are being sold through auction sites such as eBayTM, but I thought ownership was non-transferable. How does this work?

Savings bonds are sometimes marketed as collectibles or souvenirs. Because a savings bond is a registered security and ownership is non-transferable, the sale has no effect on the savings bond’s ownership. The owner or co-owners named on the bond still have a contractual connection with the US Treasury, not the individual who acquired the bond at auction. As a result, the person who purchases it at auction is unable to cash it; instead, he is purchasing a piece of paper displaying a bond that remains the property of the owner or co-owners specified on the bond. If the bond was lost and has since been replaced, it may be the property of the United States Treasury. Bottom line: Buying a savings bond at an auction is a bad idea because you don’t get any title or ownership rights to the bond.

Is it true that you pay taxes on I bonds?

  • State and municipal taxes are not levied on Series I savings bonds. You won’t have to pay state or local taxes on the interest income you earn if you invest in Series I savings bonds. That means you’ll have more money in your pocket at the end of the year than if you owned a traditional bond.
  • Federal taxes apply to Series I savings bonds. The interest income you generate while holding I bonds will be taxed by the federal government. This is because they are a “zero-coupon” bond, which means that you won’t receive regular checks in the mail; instead, the interest you earn is added back to the bond’s value, and you’ll earn interest on your interest.

What is the current value of a $50 savings bond from 1986?

Savings bonds in the United States were a massive business in 1986, because to rising interest rates. In some minds, they were almost as hot as the stock market.

Millions of Series EE savings bonds purchased in 1986 will stop generating interest at various periods throughout 2016, depending on when the bond was issued, and will need to be cashed in the new year.

No one will send you notices or redeem your bonds for you automatically. It’s entirely up to you to decide.

In 1986, almost $12 billion in savings bonds were purchased. According to the federal Bureau of the Fiscal Service, there were more than 12.5 million Series EE savings bonds with 1986 issue dates outstanding as of the end of October.

According to Daniel Pederson, author of Savings Bonds: When to Hold, When to Fold, and Everything In-Between and president of the Savings Bond Informer, only a few years have seen greater savings bond sales. (Other significant years include 1992, when $17.6 billion in bonds were sold, 1993, when $13.3 billion was sold, and 2005, when $13.1 billion was sold.)

For the first ten years, bonds purchased from January to October 1986 had an introductory rate of 7.5 percent. Beginning in November 1986, the interest on freshly purchased bonds was due to drop to 6%, thus people piled on in October 1986.

In the last four days of October 1986, Pederson’s previous office at the Federal Reserve Bank branch in Detroit received more than 10,000 applications for savings bonds, according to Pederson. Before that, it was common to receive 50 applications every day.

What is the true value of a bond? A bond with a face value of $50 isn’t necessarily worth $50. For a $50 Series EE bond in 1986, for example, you paid $25. So you’ve been generating buzz about the $50 valuation and beyond.

The amount of money you get when you cash your bond depends on the bond and the interest rates that were paid during its existence. You can find the current value of a bond by using the Savings Bond calculator at www.treasurydirect.gov.

How much money are we discussing? In December, a $50 Series EE savings bond depicting George Washington, issued in January 1986, was valued $113.06. At the next payment in January 2016, the bond will earn a few more dollars in interest.

In December, a $500 savings bond with an image of Alexander Hamilton, issued in April 1986, was worth $1,130.60. In April 2016, the next interest payment will be made.

Until their final maturity date, all bonds purchased in 1986 are earning 4%. Keep track of when your next interest payment is due on your bonds.

For the first ten years, savings bonds purchased in 1986 paid 7.5 percent. For the first 12 years, bonds purchased in November and December 1986 paid 6%. Following that, both earned 4%.

Bonds can be cashed in a variety of places. Check with your bank; clients’ bonds are frequently cashed quickly and for big sums. Some banks and credit unions, on the other hand, refuse to redeem savings bonds at all.

Chase and PNC Banks, for example, set a $1,000 limit on redeeming savings bonds for non-customers.

If you have a large stack of bonds, you should contact a bank ahead of time to schedule an appointment. According to Joyce Harris, a spokeswoman for the federal Bureau of Fiscal Service, it’s also a good idea to double-check the bank’s dollar restrictions beforehand.

Don’t sign the payment request on the back of your bonds until you’ve been instructed to do so by the financial institution.

What types of taxes will you have to pay? You’ll have to calculate how much of the money you receive is due to interest.

The main component of the savings bond, which you paid when you bought it, is not taxable. Interest is taxed at ordinary income tax rates, not at a capital gains tax rate. If you cashed a $500 bond issued in April 1986 in December 2015, it would be worth $1,130.60. The bond was purchased for $250, and the interest earned would be taxable at $880.60.

What if you cashed all of the 1986 bonds that came due in 2016? On your 2016 tax return, you’d pay taxes on those bonds.

It’s critical to account for interest and keep all of your papers while preparing your tax returns. Details on who owes the tax can be found on TreasuryDirect.gov.

What is the I bond maturity?

I bonds are secure investments offered by the United States Treasury to protect your money from inflation. I bond interest rates are modified on a regular basis to keep up with rising prices. Furthermore, series I bonds are free from state and local income taxes, making them an even superior low-risk investment for residents of high-tax states and localities.

The government’s TreasuryDirect website allows investors to purchase up to $10,000 worth of I bonds each year. With your tax refund, you can buy another $5,000 in series I bonds, bringing your total annual purchase amount to $15,000 per person.

I bond interest is computed using so-called composite rates, which are made up of a fixed interest rate and an inflation-adjusted rate. Monthly interest is paid on I bonds, but you don’t get access to it until you cash out the bond. The interest you earn is added to the bond’s value twice a year. This implies that every six months, the principle amount on which you earn interest increases, allowing your money to compound over time.

To get all of the interest due, you must own the bond for at least five years. An I bond cannot be cashed out before it has been held for a year; if you do so after that (but before five years), you will lose three months of interest.

When Do I Bonds Mature?

I bonds have a 30-year maturity. They have an initial maturity duration of 20 years, followed by a 10-year extended maturity period. There are a few restrictions on who can own series I bonds:

  • For the first year after purchase, I bonds cannot be cashed. The past three months of interest are forfeited if a bond is cashed in years two through five following purchase.

How Are I Bonds Taxed?

State and municipal income taxes are exempt from I bonds, but not federal income taxes. I bonds, on the other hand, may be totally tax-free if used to pay for eligible higher education expenses. The interest earned can be taxed annually, at maturity, or when the bond is paid. Estate or inheritance taxes would be the only state taxes due.

Regardless of who purchased the bond, the tax payments are the responsibility of the bond owner. You are accountable for the tax payments if you received an I bond as a gift.

After 30 years, what happens to EE bonds?

Interest is paid on EE bonds until they reach 30 years or you cash them in, whichever comes first. After a year, you can cash them in. However, if you cash them before the 5th year, you will forfeit the final three months’ interest.