Form 8815 2017

What is the Form 8815

The Form 8815, officially known as the "Exclusion of Interest From Series EE and I U.S. Savings Bonds Issued After 1989," is a tax form used by individuals to report the exclusion of interest earned on certain U.S. savings bonds. This form is particularly relevant for taxpayers who have used the proceeds from these bonds to pay for qualified higher education expenses. By completing Form 8815, eligible taxpayers can exclude interest income from their gross income on their federal tax returns, potentially lowering their taxable income and tax liability.

How to use the Form 8815

To effectively use Form 8815, taxpayers must first determine their eligibility based on income limits and the purpose of the bond proceeds. The form requires individuals to provide specific information, including the amount of interest earned on the bonds and the qualified education expenses. After filling out the form, it should be attached to the taxpayer's Form 1040 or 1040A when filing their federal tax return. It is essential to ensure that all figures are accurate and that the form is submitted by the tax filing deadline to avoid penalties.

Steps to complete the Form 8815

Completing Form 8815 involves several key steps:

• Gather Documentation: Collect all necessary documents, including the U.S. savings bonds and proof of qualified education expenses.
• Determine Eligibility: Check if your modified adjusted gross income is within the limits set by the IRS for the tax year.
• Fill Out the Form: Enter the required information, including the total interest earned and the amount of qualified expenses.
• Review for Accuracy: Double-check all entries to ensure they are correct and complete.
• Attach and Submit: Attach the completed Form 8815 to your Form 1040 or 1040A and submit it by the filing deadline.

Legal use of the Form 8815

Form 8815 is legally recognized as a valid means for taxpayers to exclude interest income from their federal tax returns, provided that all eligibility criteria are met. The IRS has established guidelines that outline the proper use of this form, including the requirement to use the proceeds for qualified education expenses. Failure to adhere to these guidelines may result in penalties or the disallowance of the exclusion. It is crucial for taxpayers to maintain accurate records and documentation to support their claims when using this form.

Filing Deadlines / Important Dates

Taxpayers must be aware of the filing deadlines associated with Form 8815 to ensure compliance. Typically, the deadline for filing individual tax returns, including Form 8815, is April 15 of the following year. If this date falls on a weekend or holiday, the deadline may be extended to the next business day. Taxpayers who require additional time to file can request an extension, but any taxes owed must still be paid by the original deadline to avoid interest and penalties.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for using Form 8815, taxpayers must meet specific eligibility criteria. These include:

• Income Limits: The modified adjusted gross income must fall below certain thresholds set by the IRS.
• Qualified Expenses: The proceeds from the savings bonds must be used for qualified higher education expenses, such as tuition and fees.
• Bond Issuance: The savings bonds must have been issued after 1989 to be eligible for the exclusion.