Irs Form 8815 2018

What is the IRS Form 8815

The IRS Form 8815 is a tax form used by taxpayers to report the exclusion of interest from series EE and I U.S. savings bonds. This form is particularly relevant for individuals who have used these bonds for qualified educational expenses. By completing Form 8815, taxpayers can potentially reduce their taxable income, making it an essential form for those looking to maximize their tax benefits related to education funding.

How to Use the IRS Form 8815

Using the IRS Form 8815 involves several steps to ensure accurate reporting of bond interest exclusions. Taxpayers must first determine their eligibility for the exclusion based on their income and the purpose of the bond usage. After confirming eligibility, the next step is to gather necessary documentation, such as proof of qualified educational expenses. The completed form should then be included with the taxpayer's annual tax return to claim the exclusion effectively.

Steps to Complete the IRS Form 8815

Completing the IRS Form 8815 requires careful attention to detail. Here are the steps involved:

• Gather all relevant documents, including Form 1099-INT and receipts for qualified educational expenses.
• Fill out your personal information at the top of the form.
• Report the total interest earned from your series EE and I bonds.
• Calculate the amount of interest that qualifies for exclusion based on your educational expenses.
• Transfer the excluded amount to your tax return, ensuring accuracy in reporting.

Legal Use of the IRS Form 8815

The IRS Form 8815 is legally binding when filled out correctly and submitted with the appropriate tax return. To ensure its legal validity, taxpayers must adhere to IRS guidelines regarding eligibility and documentation. Using electronic signatures through trusted platforms can further enhance the form's legitimacy, as it provides a secure method of signing and submitting the document.

Filing Deadlines / Important Dates

Taxpayers must be aware of the filing deadlines associated with the IRS Form 8815 to avoid penalties. Typically, the deadline for submitting tax returns, including Form 8815, is April fifteenth of the following year. If additional time is needed, taxpayers can file for an extension, but they must still pay any taxes owed by the original deadline to avoid interest and penalties.

Required Documents

To complete the IRS Form 8815, several documents are necessary:

• Form 1099-INT, which reports interest income from savings bonds.
• Receipts or statements that document qualified educational expenses.
• Any additional tax forms that may be relevant to your overall tax situation.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the interest exclusion reported on the IRS Form 8815, taxpayers must meet specific criteria. These include having a modified adjusted gross income below a certain threshold, using the bonds for qualified educational expenses, and being the owner of the bonds. Understanding these criteria is essential for taxpayers to ensure they can take advantage of the benefits offered by this form.