Series HH/H Savings Bonds FAQs
Notice: As of September 1, 2004, investors are no longer able to reinvest HH/H Bonds or exchange EE/E Bonds for HH Bonds.
How do I sign up for direct deposit or change the direct deposit information on an HH/H account?
How much are my interest payments?
What if my direct deposit payment or the check sent to me is missing?
Do I have to pay taxes on my interest earnings?
How do I get information about my account?
How long can I hold my HH/H Bonds and still earn interest?
When do I earn interest on my HH/H Bonds?
Is there any tax liability when I cash HH/H Bonds?
What should I do if my paper savings bond has been lost, stolen, or destroyed?
How do I sign up for direct deposit or change the direct deposit information on an HH/H account?
Fill out a direct deposit sign-up form PD F 5396. Attach a voided check for the account information part of the form.
Many financial institutions offer their own direct deposit sign-up form or the SF 1199A. We'll accept those forms, or your written request if you provide the following: the name of the financial institution, type of account, the 9-digit bank routing number, and your account number.
How much are my interest payments?
HH/H Bond single owners and co-owners can access HH/H Internet Services to view account information, including a list of your HH/H Bonds and interest paid.
What if my direct deposit payment or the check sent to me is missing?
If you're missing a check issued for the redemption of HH/H bonds, contact the financial institution you submitted the transaction to for processing. They should track the payment to determine its status. If you're missing an interest check, take the following steps:
- Make sure that a payment was due. Interest is due on HH/H Bonds every six months from the issue date shown on the bonds. For example, a bond dated in the month of January has interest due each January 1 and July 1.
- Once you've established that a payment was due and is missing, notify our office in writing, providing the date and amount, if known, of the payment. Provide the name and social security number on the account or bonds involved. The notice must be signed by the owner, co-owner, or authorized representative.
Mail to:
Bureau of the Public Debt
P.O. Box 2186
Parkersburg WV 26106-2186
Do I have to pay taxes on my interest earnings?
Yes, you must report your interest payments on HH Bonds as interest income on your federal income tax return each year. This interest isn't subject to state or local income taxes. The U.S. Treasury issues an interest income statement (1099-INT) by January 31 of each year showing the interest you earned the previous year.
How do I get information about my account?
HH/H Bond owners and co-owners can access our free HH/H Internet Services to view their account information, including a list of HH/H Bonds and interest paid.
How long can I hold my HH/H Bonds and still earn interest?
- H Bonds issued through December 1979: 30 years
- HH Bonds issued January 1980 through August 2004: 20 years
Interest on HH Bonds is subject to change at the start of extended maturity 10 years from issue.
When do I earn interest on my HH/H Bonds?
HH/H Bonds earn interest every 6 months. The first payment is issued 6 months from the issue date shown on the bonds. Interest is reportable income for the year you earn it.
Is there any tax liability when I cash HH/H Bonds?
If you deferred paying federal income tax on interest earned on EE/E Bonds you exchanged for the HH/H Bonds you're redeeming, you will need to report this deferred interest for the year in which you redeem the HH/H Bonds. You will receive an IRS Form 1099-INT showing the deferred interest, which is reported to the IRS.
What should I do if my paper savings bond has been lost, stolen, or destroyed?
Simply fill out the form for "Lost, Stolen, or Destroyed U.S. Savings Bonds" (Form PD F 1048) and mail it to the address provided on the form.
If you don't have a list of your savings bonds' issue dates and serial numbers, describe the bonds as fully as possible and request a search of our records. We will replace your savings bonds free of charge, if we can establish that the bonds have not been redeemed. Send the information to:
Savings Bonds
Bureau of the Public Debt
P.O. Box 1328
Parkersburg, WV 26106-1328
