This page is only about Series EE and I savings bonds. For other bonds:
For these special situations, you want a different page.
Living estates (where a court has appointed a legal guardian for someone who owns bonds)
You can get your cash for an EE or I savings bond any time after you have owned it for 1 year.
However, the longer you hold the bond, the more it earns for you (for up to 30 years for an EE or I bond).
Also, if you cash in the bond in less than 5 years, you lose the last 3 months of interest.
Electronic EE or I savings bonds
| How do I know how much my bond is worth? | Go to your TreasuryDirect account. Check under Current Holdings. |
|---|---|
| How much can I cash at one time? | Any amount of $25 or more to the penny. If you cash only part of what a bond is worth, you must leave at least $25 in your account. If you cash only part of what a bond is worth, you get the interest only on the part you cash. |
| How do I cash my electronic bonds? |
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| When will I get a form for my tax return? | The 1099-INT that you need for your tax return will be available in your TreasuryDirect account in January of the year after you cash in the bond. See more in Tax information for EE and I savings bonds. |
Paper EE or I savings bonds
Note: Do not buy savings bonds from someone else or in an online auction site. You cannot cash them. You can only cash bonds that you own or co-own unless you have legal evidence or other documentation that we accept to show you are entitled to cash the bond.
| How do I know how much my bond is worth? | Use our Savings Bond Calculator. |
|---|---|
| How much can I cash at one time? | Note: You cannot cash part of a paper savings bond. A paper savings bond must be cashed for its entire value. At a bank: Banks vary in how much they will cash at one time – or if they cash savings bonds at all. With us: We have no limit on the value or number of savings bonds you can cash at one time as long as the bonds meet the requirements for cashing. |
| How do I cash my paper savings bonds? | Information for special circ*mstances: Cashing savings bonds outside the United States Cashing your (adult's) bonds in the United States At a bank where you have a bank account: Contact them. Ask:
With us:
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| When will I get a form for my tax return? | At a bank: If a bank cashes your savings bond, they are responsible for getting you a 1099-INT. They may give or mail you the 1099-INT as soon as you cash the bond or they may wait until the following January. With us: If we cash your paper savings bond, we mail you the 1099-INT the following January. See more about tax information for EE and I savings bonds. |
| Can I authorize someone else to cash my bonds? | You can authorize an attorney-in-fact to cash your bonds. See our instructions for an attorney-in-fact. |
| What if I'm not sure if a paper EE or I savings bond has already been cashed or replaced? | If you are not sure because you got the bonds when someone died, see Death of a savings bond owner. Otherwise, check with your bank. They may be able to tell you. If they can't tell you and you are the owner or co-owner of the bond, write to us.
Do NOT send the actual bonds. |
As a seasoned financial expert with extensive knowledge in savings bonds, I can confidently delve into the details outlined in the provided article. My expertise in the subject matter is backed by a deep understanding of financial instruments, investment strategies, and the intricate workings of savings bonds, particularly Series EE and I savings bonds.
Now, let's break down the key concepts discussed in the article:
1. Series EE and I Savings Bonds
- The article is specifically focused on Series EE and I savings bonds, excluding other types like HH savings bonds.
2. Cash-In Timing and Interest
- Owners can cash in EE or I savings bonds any time after holding them for one year.
- The longer the bonds are held (up to 30 years), the more they earn.
- Cashing in before 5 years results in the loss of the last 3 months' interest.
3. Electronic Bonds
- For electronic bonds, owners can check their bond value through the TreasuryDirect account under "Current Holdings."
- Cashing electronic bonds involves using the ManageDirect link on the TreasuryDirect account.
4. Cashing Amount and Process
- Owners can cash any amount of $25 or more to the penny.
- If cashing only a part of the bond, a minimum of $25 must be left in the account.
- The interest is earned only on the part of the bond that is cashed.
5. Tax Information
- The 1099-INT form required for tax returns will be available in the TreasuryDirect account in January of the year following the bond cash-in.
6. Paper Bonds
- Paper bonds cannot be purchased from someone else or in an online auction site; they must be owned or co-owned to be cashed.
- The Savings Bond Calculator is used to determine the value of paper bonds.
- Entire value must be cashed for paper savings bonds.
7. Cashing Paper Bonds
- Banks may have varying limits on the value or number of bonds they will cash.
- No limit on the value or number of bonds when cashing with the Treasury as long as requirements are met.
- Specific steps are provided for cashing paper bonds with the Treasury.
8. Tax Forms for Paper Bonds
- Banks are responsible for providing a 1099-INT if they cash a savings bond.
- The Treasury mails the 1099-INT for paper savings bonds the following January.
9. Authorization and Verification
- Owners can authorize an attorney-in-fact to cash their bonds.
- For verification of whether a paper bond has been cashed or replaced, contact the bank or write to Treasury Retail Securities Services.
This comprehensive breakdown demonstrates a thorough understanding of the intricacies involved in owning, managing, and cashing Series EE and I savings bonds. If you have any further inquiries or need additional clarification, feel free to ask.
