Tax on EE bonds

[WootWoot]

Can someone help me figure this out? I'm not very good at even simple arithmetic.

I received a EE bond from a family member. The interest is $15,000. DH and I are in the 15% tax bracket. I know I have to pay federal tax only on the interest. Any idea how much the tax will be on this interest?

[seattlecyclone]

Assuming this interest wouldn't bump you into the next tax bracket, the tax would be $15,000 * 15% = $2,250. If it does bump you into the next bracket, part would be taxed at 15% and part would be taxed at 25%. In any case it shouldn't be more than 25% of $15,000, or $3,750.

[WootWoot]

Thank you very much for your help!

[WootWoot]

Just thought of something regarding this. If I made a maximum contribution to a Roth IRA, that might offset some of the taxes, right?

[seattlecyclone]

Nope, Roth IRA contributions are made with post-tax funds, meaning they don't affect your taxable income one bit. A traditional IRA contribution might be what you're looking for, but be aware that there are income limits for the IRA deduction that depend on your family status and also on whether you have a retirement plan through your employer.

[WootWoot]

Thanks, seattlecyclone! I do have a 403(b) at work.

[TomTX]

If it is spent on higher education, you may be able to avoid the tax.

https://www.treasurydirect.gov/indiv/planning/plan_education.htm

[WootWoot]

Thanks--but at the moment, I have no plans for higher education. I'm in a lucky position to be working for a college and get free tuition.

[TomTX]

Thanks--but at the moment, I have no plans for higher education. I'm in a lucky position to be working for a college and get free tuition.

Free tuition, or reimbursed tuition?

Any fees they don't cover?

[WootWoot]

I mean reimbursed tuition.

I'm done with school for the moment. After two unsuccessful attempts at grad school, I'm putting my energies elsewhere. :)

[TomTX]

I mean reimbursed tuition.

I'm done with school for the moment. After two unsuccessful attempts at grad school, I'm putting my energies elsewhere. :)

I'm not a CPA, but reimbursed tuition sounds like you had education expenses to me. You spent the money. (Or someone else in that situation did)

[WootWoot]

Yes, I did have fees that were not paid by my employer. However, they were more than a year ago (2015) and so I don't think the monies from a bond cashed in 2016 will be of much use in terms of lowering my taxes. thanks, though.