US Savings Bonds

Archive for March, 2008

Value US Savings Bonds at death of the Owner

Does the beneficiary get a stepped up cost basis at the death of the US Savings Bond owner?

No. 

There is no step-up in basis regarding Series EE U.S. Savings Bonds and all accrued interest income, since the date of purchase, must be accounted for when the bonds are eventually redeemed. 

However, if the executor elects to report all accrued interest income on the decedent’s final income tax return, then the bond’ s cost basis is increased to the extent of the accrued income reported. 

What value should the executor of the estate use to value US Savings Bonds for estate tax purposes?

The date of death redemption value is the value to be used on the decedent’s estate tax return.

Question: how do you transfer ownership of a US savings bond?

Answer: Your best bet would be to take to the a FRB branch or to your local bank and ask an officer. You can also check the Savings Bond web site and the information is there.

Davos Annual Meeting 2010 – Financing Low-Carbon Growth

is inflation outrunning the intrest on US Savings Bonds?