How You Can Purchase I-Bonds Directly from the Treasury
With inflation hovering near 40-year highs, some investors are looking for investments that keep pace with rising prices. For many, a Series I Savings Bond is just that. I Bonds give investors a rate of return plus inflation protection and are backed by the U.S. government.1,2
The Treasury has sold more than $27 billion of I Bonds since last year. That's more than a 70-fold increase from 2020 when inflation hovered in the 1 percent range.1,3
Purchasing I Bonds through Treasurydirect.gov is simple.
Getting Started
1. Gather your info. Make sure you have the following close at hand: your taxpayer identification number, current address, checking or savings account information, and email address.
2. Go to Treasurydirect.gov's account creation page. Navigate to the bottom of the page and select “Apply Now” on the left. This will begin your account creation. Next, you will choose between an Individual or Entity account. Select the Individual account type (the default option) and click “Submit.”
3. Enter your info. Using the information gathered in step 1, fill in the fields requested and check the box at the bottom to certify your Taxpayer Identification Number. Click “Submit.
4. Select a personalized image. Take some time here to select an image and caption you will remember. Think of this as a visual password for your account. Click “Submit.”
5. Secure your account. Select your password and security questions on this screen. Click “Submit” to move to the final step.
6. Check your email for your TreasuryDirect account number. You’ll need this to log into your account later.3
What to Know About I Bonds
You can begin purchasing I Bonds now that you’ve created your account. Here are a few things to keep in mind. I Bonds earn interest for 30 years unless you cash them in. You can do this after a year has passed from the time of purchase, but you'll lose the previous three months of interest. However, if you let them mature for five years or more, there is no penalty.2
The maximum amount you can invest is $10,000 per person per year. A married couple can buy up to $20,000. Parents can create custodial accounts for children and then make a purchase. A person can invest up to $15,000 if they elect to get tax refunds in I Bonds.2
Contact us here with any questions about I Bonds.
- https://www.usinflationcalculator.com/inflation/historical-inflation-rates/
- https://www.investopedia.com/terms/s/seriesibond.asp
- https://www.cnbc.com/2022/10/04/as-demand-soars-for-series-i-bonds-treasurydirect-gets-a-makeover.html
- https://www.treasurydirect.gov/news/home-page-articles-archive/release-06-17-04/
This content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information, and provided by Twenty Over Ten. It may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security.
This is not a recommendation and is not intended to be taken as a recommendation. This material was prepared for general distribution and is not directed to a specific individual.
LPWM LLC does not provide tax, legal or accounting advice. This material has been prepared for informational purposes only, and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for, tax, legal or accounting advice. You should consult your own tax, legal and accounting advisers.
