: You cannot cash in an I Bond for the first 12 months after purchase.
: The rate is a combination of a fixed rate and a variable inflation rate that resets every May 1 and November 1 .
: If you cash out before 5 years , you forfeit the last three months of interest earned.
: You can use your federal tax refund to buy up to an additional $5,000 in paper I Bonds annually, totaling a $15,000 limit. 4. Holding Rules & Penalties
: You will need your bank's routing and account numbers to link for electronic funds transfers. 2. Step-by-Step Purchase Process
To buy Series I Savings Bonds (I Bonds), you must purchase them directly from the U.S. government through the website. Unlike stocks or corporate bonds, they cannot be bought through standard brokerage accounts. 1. Core Requirements & Eligibility
: You can purchase up to $10,000 per person, per calendar year through TreasuryDirect.
: Interest is exempt from state and local taxes, though federal income tax still applies (unless used for qualifying higher education expenses).