Can Series I bonds be used for education?
Sarah Duran
Published Mar 05, 2026
The interest earned on series EE and Series I bonds can be used tax-free for college if the following conditions are met: The funds are used for qualified educational expenses for parent or dependent child. These include tuition and fees for courses that count toward a degree or certificate program.
How do you pay for college with savings bonds?
You can give your children either Series EE or I Bonds to help them save for college. 1 When it’s time to redeem the bonds to pay for college, you can either cash them in or roll them into a 529 plan (see below).
Are savings bonds a good investment for college?
Benefits of Using Savings Bonds for College In short, the key benefit of using bonds for college is that they’re stable, safe and you can gauge how much interest income they’ll generate for college costs. When you invest money in mutual funds through a 529 plan, by comparison, those funds are exposed to market risk.
Are Series EE bonds for education tax-free?
If you meet the age and income requirements, interest on your I and EE savings bonds is tax-free if you cash in the bonds to pay tuition and fees. The owner also must have been at least 24 years old when the bond was issued.
How are savings bonds used to pay for Education?
Aside from the Education Tax Exclusion, there is another way to use savings bonds to pay for your children’s education expenses. Interest income on bonds purchased in a child’s name alone or with a parent as beneficiary (not co-owner), can be included in the child’s income each year as it accrues, or can be deferred until the bonds are redeemed.
Can You give Your Child Series EE bonds?
The advantage for many relatives giving these bonds is that one cannot lose the principal and the money is difficult to access while the child is young; ensuring that the bonds will be used for their intended purpose. You can give your children either Series EE or I Bonds to help them save for college.
Can a grandchild use savings bonds to pay for college?
It’s not easy, but grandparents can avoid a tax bill when redeeming savings bonds to pay for a grandchild’s college costs. Question: Can I use my series EE or I bonds to pay for a grandchild’s college—and save on taxes?
Who is the beneficiary of an individual education bond?
When using bonds for your child’s education, the bonds must be registered in your name and/or your spouse’s name. Your child can be listed as a beneficiary on the bond, but not as a co-owner.