A security that earns the same rate of interest (a fixed rate) for up to 30 years. When you buy the bond, you know what rate of interest it will earn. Treasury announces a fixed rate each May 1 and Nov. 1 for new EE bonds

See: Comparing I Bonds to EE Bonds

Yes. EE Bonds bought from May 1997 through April 2005 earn a rate of interest that changes every six months (a variable rate). EE Bonds bought before May 1997 earn interest at different rates depending on when they were bought.

Learn more on Interest Rates for EE Bonds – Current and Past

The interest rate for bonds bought between November 1, 2012 and April 30, 2013 is an annual rate of 0.20%.

Learn more on Interest Rates for EE Bonds – Current and Past

Federal income tax: Yes

State and local income tax: No

See: Tax Considerations for EE/E or I Bonds

Using the money for higher education may keep you from paying federal income tax on your savings bond interest. See: Using EE or I Bonds for Education

Electronic: $25 for a $25 EE Bond.

$10,000 each calendar year for each Social Security Number. You may buy up to $10,000 in electronic EE Bonds.

Electronic:  Any amount from $25 to $10,000 to the penny. For example, with electronic bonds, you could buy an EE Bond for $50.23.

EE Bonds are meant to be long-term investments. They earn interest for up to 30 years.

You can cash them in after 1 year. But if you cash them in before 5 years, you lose the last 3 months' interest. (For example, if you cash in an EE Bond after 18 months, you get the first 15 months of interest.)

Electronic: Through your TreasuryDirect account

You can arrange to buy electronic bonds through payroll direct deposit. See http://www.treasurydirect.gov/indiv/products/prod_tdpayrollinfo.htm.

Before the EE Series, Treasury sold E Bonds.

History of U.S. Savings Bonds

All E Bonds have stopped earning interest; but if you own E Bonds, you can still redeem them (cash them in). Redeeming (Cashing in) EE Bonds