Understanding Interest Income
Interest income is the compensation you receive for lending money to a bank or other financial institution. When you deposit money into a savings account, the bank uses that money to make loans to other borrowers. In return for the use of your money, the bank pays you interest.
Taxability of Interest Income
In the United States, interest income is generally considered taxable income. This means that you must report all interest income you receive on your federal income tax return, even if you do not receive a Form 1099-INT from the bank.
Reporting Interest Income
Banks are required to report interest payments of $10 or more to the IRS on Form 1099-INT. You should receive a copy of this form by January 31st of the year following the tax year in which you received the interest.
If you receive interest income but do not receive a Form 1099-INT, you are still required to report the interest on your tax return. You can use your bank statements or other records to determine the amount of interest you received.
Exemptions and Exclusions
There are a few exceptions and exclusions to the general rule that interest income is taxable. These include:
- Interest on municipal bonds: Interest on municipal bonds is generally exempt from federal income tax. However, some municipal bonds may be subject to state and local income taxes.
- Interest on U.S. savings bonds: Interest on U.S. savings bonds is exempt from federal income tax if the bonds are used to pay for qualified higher education expenses.
- Interest on foreign bank accounts: Interest on foreign bank accounts may be exempt from U.S. income tax if the account is maintained in a country with which the U.S. has a tax treaty.
Consequences of Not Reporting Interest Income
If you fail to report interest income on your tax return, you may be subject to penalties and interest charges. The IRS may also assess additional taxes on the unreported income.
It is important to report all interest income you receive on your tax return, even if you do not receive a Form 1099-INT. Failing to report interest income can result in penalties and interest charges. If you have any questions about the taxability of interest income, you should consult with a tax professional.
Interest, Taxable and Non-taxable
FAQ
Do I have to report bank interest less than $10?
What happens if I don’t report bank interest on taxes?
What is the minimum interest income that must be reported?
What happens if I didn’t get a 1099-INT from my bank?
Do you have to pay taxes on interest on bank accounts?
Even though you do have to pay taxes on this income, most people will only owe a small amount in taxes. That’s because most people just don’t earn much interest on bank accounts. Paying taxes on interest is inevitable. The most important thing is to file your tax return and pay your tax bill by the tax deadline.
Is interest income taxable?
Most interest income is taxable as ordinary income on your federal return and is subject to ordinary income tax rates with a few exceptions. Generally, most interest is considered taxable at the time you receive it or can withdraw it. Interest taxed at the same federal tax rate as your earned income, include:
Do you have to pay taxes on interest payments?
According to the IRS, you must report all taxable and tax-exempt interest you earned on your federal income tax return, even if the bank didn’t send you a form. You must pay taxes on interest payments you received in your high-yield savings account or other savings account—even if it didn’t add up to much.
Do you have to report tax-exempt interest?
Any amount of tax-exempt interest still needs to be reported on your income tax return because it could impact your tax return. You might not have to report interest earned if you don’t have enough income required to file a tax return. Usually, if you have not made the minimum income for the year, you don’t have to file taxes.