What to do if you inherited savings bonds?

As the survivor, you have four options:

1. Do nothing. The bond will continue to earn interest until the bond matures.
2. Cash (redeem) the bond.
3. Reissue: Have the bond reissued in the survivor’s name.
4. Submit a certified copy of the owner’s death certificate, along with FS Form 5396 (download or order).

Are US Savings Bonds subject to probate?

Savings bonds are considered non-probate assets. Therefore, like retirement accounts and life insurance, they are not generally inherited according to the terms of a will. Reissuing the bonds allows you to continue to earn whatever interest the bond pays until its maturity date.

Can I cash my deceased parents savings bonds?

Savings bonds can be cashed in only by the owner, a legal representative or a beneficiary if the owner passes away. When a deceased parent has left you some savings bonds, you might be able to just hang on to them.

Do I pay taxes on inherited EE bonds?

The IRS lets you avoid paying taxes on interest earned by Series EE and Series I savings bonds when you redeem them if you use the money toward qualified higher education costs for yourself, your spouse, or any of your dependents.

Do you get penalized for cashing in savings bonds?

The Treasury Department doesn’t charge any fees when you redeem savings bonds. After the five-year mark has passed, there is no penalty for early redemption.

How does cashing in savings bonds affect taxes?

If you hold savings bonds and redeem them with interest earned, that interest is subject to federal income tax and federal gift taxes. You won’t pay state or local income tax on interest earnings but you may pay state or inheritance taxes if those apply where you live.

Can executor of estate cash savings bonds?

Savings Bonds in Probate The executor can’t do anything with the savings bonds until the court reviews the estate. Once the court issues a letter authorizing the executor to act as the decedent’s representative, she can redeem the bonds.

Are savings bonds considered part of an estate?

Savings Bonds Owned by One Person If a savings bond names only one person as the owner, then the bond becomes part of the estate when the owner dies. If the will doesn’t specifically leave the bond to someone, it passes through the residuary clause of the will, or under state law if there is no valid will.

What is the inheritance tax on savings bonds?

The earnings on inherited savings bonds are not taxable to the heirs if the decedent already paid taxes on the accumulated interest, but heirs are responsible for paying any unpaid taxes. No tax will be owed on an inherited savings bond’s accumulated interest if the decedent has already paid taxes on it.

Is interest earned on savings bonds taxable?

Interest earned on a U.S. Savings Bond is taxed as ordinary income. Interest on savings bonds is subject only to federal income tax, and can’t be taxed by state and local governments. The person who owns a savings bond is responsible for paying income tax on the interest.

Do you pay taxes on savings bonds?

Savings bonds are free from state and local taxes. You don’t collect your interest until you redeem your bonds, which allows you to postpone taxes until redemption, though you can choose to pay taxes every year on the interest accrued.

What is the tax on savings bond interest?

No State Taxes. Interest earned on U.S. savings bonds is only taxable on your federal income return. The interest from U.S. government bonds, including savings bonds, is exempt from state income taxes.