Subpart B—Maturities, Redemption Values, and Investment Yields of Series EE Savings Bonds
General Provisions
§ 351.5 What is the maturity period of a Series EE savings bond?
Series EE savings bonds have a total maturity period of 30 years from the issue date, consisting of an original maturity period and one or two periods of extended maturity, which vary depending on the issue date of the bond. The interest on an outstanding bond ceases to accrue 30 years after its issue date.
§ 351.6 When may I redeem my Series EE savings bond?
(a) Bonds with issue dates on or before January 1, 2003. You may redeem your Series EE savings bond at any time beginning six months after its issue date.
(b) Bonds with issue dates on or after February 1, 2003. You may redeem your Series EE savings bond at any time beginning twelve months after its issue date.
§ 351.7 May Series EE savings bonds be called for redemption prior to final maturity?
The Secretary of the Treasury may not call Series EE bonds for redemption prior to final maturity.
§ 351.8 When is interest payable on Series EE savings bonds?
Interest on a bond accrues and becomes part of the redemption value. Interest earnings are payable upon redemption.
§ 351.9 When will I receive the redemption value of my Series EE savings bonds?
(a) You will be paid the redemption value of your definitive bond when you surrender the bond for payment as provided in these regulations and in 31 CFR part 353.
(b) You will be paid the redemption value of your book-entry bond when it reaches final maturity, if you have not redeemed the bond previously.
§ 351.10 What do I need to know about market yields, or market bid yields, to understand redemption value calculations in this subpart?
We use market yields, or market bid yields, derived from Treasury bills, notes, and bonds, to create a yield curve based on the most actively traded Treasury securities. This curve relates the yield on a security to its time to maturity. Yields at particular points on the curve are referred to as “constant maturity yields” and are determined by the Treasury from this daily yield curve. Six-month and 5-year Treasury securities rates are derived from these yield curves.
§ 351.11 What do I need to know about the short-term savings bond rate, to understand redemption value calculations in this subpart?
We determine this rate by compiling 6-month Treasury securities rates as of the close of business for each day of the previous three months and calculating the monthly average for each month, rounding each monthly average to the nearest one-hundredth of one percent. We then determine the short-term savings bond rate by taking 85 percent of the three-month average and rounding the result to the nearest one-hundredth of one percent. For bonds entitled to interest accruals at the short-term savings bond rate, that rate applies to the bond's first full semiannual interest accrual period following each announcement of the rate.
§ 351.12 What do I need to know about the long-term savings bond rate, to understand redemption value calculations in this subpart?
We determine this rate by compiling 5-year Treasury securities rates as of the close of business for each day of the previous six months and calculating the monthly average for each month, rounding each monthly average to the nearest one-hundredth of one percent. We then determine the long-term savings bond rate by taking 85 percent of the 6-month average and rounding the result to the nearest one-hundredth of one percent. For bonds entitled to interest accruals at the long-term savings bond rate, that rate applies to the bond's first full semiannual interest accrual period following each announcement of the rate.
§ 351.13 What do I need to know about the savings bond rate to understand redemption value calculations in this subpart?
We determine the savings bond rate by compiling 5-year Treasury securities yields as of the close of business for each day of the previous six months and calculating the monthly average to the nearest one-hundredth of one percent. We then determine the savings bonds rate by taking 90 percent of the 6-month average and rounding the result to the nearest one-hundredth of one percent.
§ 351.14 When are rate announcements that apply to Series EE savings bonds announced?
(a) The Secretary will furnish rates that apply to Series EE savings bonds in announcements published each May 1 and November 1.
(b) If the regularly scheduled date for the announcement is a day when we are not open for business, then the Secretary will make the announcement on the next business day. However, the effective date of the rate remains the first day of the month of the announcement.
(c) The Secretary may announce rates at any other time.
§ 351.15 Is the determination of the Secretary on rates and values final?
The Secretary's determination of rates of return and savings bond redemption values is final and conclusive.
§ 351.16 What do I need to know about the base denomination for redemption value calculations?
We base all calculations of interest on a unit with a principal amount of $12.50. We use this unit value to determine the value of bonds in higher denominations. The effect of rounding off the value of the $12.50 unit increases at higher denominations. This can work to your slight advantage or disadvantage, depending on whether the value is rounded up or down.
The following hypothetical example illustrates the calculation: A rate of 3.25% will result in a newly purchased $12.50 unit increasing in value after six months to $12.70, when rounded to the nearest cent. Therefore, a $5,000 definitive Series EE bond (with a principal amount of $2,500) will be worth $2,540 after six months ([$2,500 divided by $12.50] × $12.70 = $2,540.) In contrast, if applied directly to a $2,500 principal amount, the rate would render a value of $2,540.63 after six months, a difference of 63 cents. (This example does not account for any interest penalty that might apply if you redeem a bond less than five years after its issue date.)
§§ 351.17-351.18 [Reserved]
Series EE Savings Bonds with Issue Dates Prior to May 1, 1995
§ 351.19 What are maturity periods of Series EE savings bonds with issue dates prior to May 1, 1995?
Bonds with issue dates from January 1, 1980, through May 1, 1995 have an original maturity period and two extended maturity periods, as shown by the following table:
| Issue dates—1st day of | Original term (in years) | First extended term (in years) | Second extended term (in years) | Final maturity dates |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan. 1980-Oct. 1980 | 11 | 10 | 9 | Jan. 2010-Oct. 2010. |
| Nov. 1980-Apr. 1981 | 9 | 10 | 11 | Nov. 2010-Apr. 2011. |
| May 1981-Oct. 1982 | 8 | 10 | 12 | May 2011-Oct. 2012. |
| Nov. 1982-Oct. 1986 | 10 | 10 | 10 | Nov. 2012-Oct. 2016. |
| Nov. 1986-Feb. 1993 | 12 | 10 | 8 | Nov. 2016-Feb. 2023. |
| Mar. 1993-Apr. 1995 | 18 | 10 | 2 | Mar. 2023-Apr. 2025. |
§ 351.20 What is the investment yield (interest) during the original maturity period of Series EE savings bonds with issue dates from January 1, 1980, through April 1, 1995?
The redemption value of a bond on a given interest accrual date during original maturity will be the higher of the value produced using the applicable guaranteed minimum investment yield or the value produced using the appropriate market-based variable investment yield.
(a) Guaranteed minimum investment yield —
(1) Bonds bearing issue dates prior to November 1, 1982. You may obtain the guaranteed minimum investment yields on bonds bearing issue dates prior to November 1, 1982, by downloading from our website at www.savingsbonds.gov, contacting us by email at savbonds@bpd.treas.gov, or by writing us at the following address: Bureau of the Fiscal Service, Parkersburg, West Virginia 26106-1328.
(2) Bonds bearing issue dates of November 1, 1982, through April 1, 1995 —
(i) Prior to 5 years from issue date. You may download the guaranteed minimum investment yields prior to 5 years from issue date at our website at www.savingsbonds.gov, by contacting us by email at savbonds@bpd.treas.gov, or writing to the following address: Bureau of the Fiscal Service, Parkersburg, West Virginia 26106-1328.
(ii) On or after 5 years from issue date. The guaranteed minimum investment yield of a bond from its issue date to each semiannual interest accrual date occurring on or after 5 years from issue up to original maturity will be as follows, compounded semiannually:
| Issue dates of bonds | Percent |
|---|---|
| Nov. 1, 1982-October 1, 1986 | 7.5 |
| Nov. 1, 1986-Feb. 1, 1993 | 6 |
| Mar. 1, 1993-Apr. 1, 1995 | 4 |
(b) Market-based variable investment yield. If a bond is held for a period of 5 years after its first semiannual interest accrual period, occurring on or after November 1, 1982, or its issue date, whichever is later, its market-based variable investment yield for such period, and to each successive semiannual interest accrual date up to its original maturity, will be determined as follows:
(1) For each 6-month period, starting with the period beginning on May 1, 1982, we will determine the average market yield on outstanding marketable Treasury securities with a remaining term to maturity of approximately 5 years during such period.
(2) For bonds bearing an issue date prior to May 1, 1989, the market-based variable investment yield from its first semiannual interest accrual date occurring on or after November 1, 1982, or its issue date, whichever is later, to its first semiannual interest accrual date 5 years thereafter will be 85 percent, rounded to the nearest one-fourth of 1 percent, of the arithmetic average of the market yield averages for the ten 6-month periods starting with the 6-month period that most recently ended before such issue date, whichever is later.
(3) For bonds bearing issue dates of May 1, 1989, through April 1, 1995, the market-based variable investment yield from the issue date to the semiannual interest accrual date 5 years thereafter will be 85 percent, rounded to the nearest one-hundredth of 1 percent, of the arithmetic average of the market yield averages for the ten 6-month periods starting with the 6-month period that most recently ended before such issue date.
(4) In determining the market-based variable investment yield for a bond from its first semiannual interest accrual date occurring on or after November 1, 1982, or its issue date, whichever is later, to each successive semiannual interest accrual date occurring after 5 years from issue up to original maturity, the average market yield for each additional 6-month period will be included in the computation.
§ 351.21 How are redemption values determined during any extended maturity period of Series EE savings bonds with issue dates prior to May 1, 1995?
The redemption value of a bond on a given interest accrual date during an extended maturity period or periods will be the higher of the values produced using either the applicable guaranteed minimum investment yield or the appropriate market-based variable investment yield. The calculation of these yields and the resulting redemption values are described below:
(a) Guaranteed minimum investment yield and resulting values during an extended maturity period. A bond may be subject to one guaranteed minimum investment yield during its original maturity period and to another such yield during each of its extended maturity periods.
(1) Bonds entering an extended maturity period from May 1, 1989, through February 1, 1993. Bonds that entered an extended maturity period from May 1, 1989, through February 1, 1993, had a guaranteed minimum investment yield of 6 percent per annum, compounded semiannually, during that extended maturity period.
(2) Bonds entering an extended maturity period on or after March 1, 1993. Bonds that entered or enter an extended maturity period on or after March 1, 1993, have a guaranteed minimum investment yield of 4 percent per annum, compounded semiannually, during that extended maturity period, or the guaranteed minimum investment yield in effect at the beginning of that period.
(3) Determination of values for a bond during extended maturity periods. In order to determine values for a bond during its first extended maturity period, we determine the value of the bond at the end of its original maturity period using the guaranteed minimum investment yield applicable to that period. This value is then used as the base upon which interest accrues during the first extended maturity period at the applicable guaranteed minimum investment yield for that period. We use the value thus attained at first extended maturity as the base upon which interest accrues during the second extended maturity period at the applicable guaranteed minimum investment yield for that period. We then compare the resulting semiannual values with the corresponding values determined using only the applicable market-based variable investment yields.
(b) Market-based variable investment yield and resulting values during an extended maturity period. For a bond beginning an extended maturity period, the market-based variable investment yield from its first semiannual interest accrual date occurring on or after November 1, 1982, or its issue date, whichever is later, to each semiannual interest accrual date occurring on or after November 1, 1989, will be 85 percent, rounded to the nearest one-hundredth of one percent, of the arithmetic average of the market yield averages for the appropriate number of 6-month periods involved, beginning with the period from May 1, 1982, or the 6-month period that most recently ended before the issue date, whichever period occurs later. We use the value of a bond on its first semiannual interest accrual date occurring on or after November 1, 1982, or its issue date, whichever is later, as the base upon which interest accrues during the extended maturity period at the applicable market-based variable investment yield. As described above, the bond will receive the higher of the two values: One value produced using the applicable market-based variable investment yield; and, the other value produced using the guaranteed minimum investment yield.
§ 351.22 When does the redemption value increase for bonds issued prior to May 1, 1995?
(a) Bonds with issue dates from January 1, 1980, through October 1, 1980. For bonds with issue dates from January 1, 1980, through October 1, 1980, the redemption value increases on the first day of each month from the third through the thirtieth month after issue, and thereafter on the first day of each successive 6-month period.
(b) Bonds with issue dates from November 1, 1980, through October 1, 1986. For bonds with issue dates from November 1, 1980, through October 1, 1986, the redemption value increases on the first day of each month from the third through the eighteenth month after issue, and thereafter on the first day of each successive 6-month period.
(c) Bonds with issue dates from November 1, 1986, through February 1, 1993. For bonds with issue dates from November 1, 1986, through February 1, 1993, the redemption values increase on the first day of each month from the third through the thirtieth month after issue, and thereafter on the first day of each successive 6-month period.
(d) Bonds with issue dates of March 1, 1993, through April 1, 1995. For bonds with issue dates of March 1, 1993, through April 1, 1995, the redemption values increase on the first day of each month from the third through the sixtieth month after issue, and thereafter either on the first day of each month or on the first day of each successive 6-month period, whichever accrual schedule ensures that the actual yield from issue date to redemption date is in no case less than 4 percent per annum, compounded semiannually.
§ 351.23 Are tables of redemption values available for bonds issued prior to May 1, 1995?
You may obtain the appropriate yields and tables by downloading from our website at www.savingsbonds.gov, contacting us by email at savbonds@bpd.treas.gov, or by writing us at the following address: Bureau of the Fiscal Service, Parkersburg, West Virginia 26106-1328.
Series EE Savings Bonds With Issue Dates From May 1, 1995, Through April 1, 1997
§ 351.24 What are the maturity periods of bonds with issue dates from May 1, 1995, through April 1, 1997?
(a) Original maturity. Bonds reach original maturity at 17 years after issue date.
(b) Final maturity. Series EE savings bonds have an extended maturity period of 13 years, and reach final maturity at 30 years after the issue date. Bonds cease to earn interest at final maturity.
§ 351.25 What were the interest rates and redemption values for bonds with issue dates from May 1, 1995, through April 1, 1997, during semiannual rate periods in the first 5 years after issue date?
(a) Interest rates. The interest rate for a Series EE bond bearing an issue date of May 1, 1995, through April 1, 1997, for semiannual earning periods during the first 5 years from issue date, was the short-term savings bond rate (see § 351.11 for a description of the short-term savings bond rate.)
(b) Redemption values. Redemption values for semiannual accrual dates occurring on or before 5 years from issue date are calculated in accordance with § 351.28.
§ 351.26 What are the interest rates and redemption values for bonds with issue dates from May 1, 1995 through April 1, 1997, during semiannual rate periods that begin 5 years or more after issue date?
(a) Interest rates. The interest rate for a Series EE bond bearing an issue date of May 1, 1995, through April 1, 1997, for semiannual earning periods beginning 5 years from issue date through original maturity, is the long-term savings bond rate as defined in § 351.12.
(b) Redemption values. We calculate redemption values for semiannual accrual dates occurring after 5 years from issue date, through original maturity, in accordance with § 351.28, except that the redemption value at the date of original maturity shall not be less than the denomination (face amount or face value).
§ 351.27 What are the interest rates and redemption values for bonds with issue dates from May 1, 1995, through April 1, 1997, during an extended maturity period?
During an extended maturity period the bond will be subject to the terms and conditions in effect when it is issued, and will continue to earn interest as described in paragraph § 351.26, unless the terms and conditions applicable to an extended maturity period are expressly amended prior to the beginning of such period.
§ 351.28 How are redemption values calculated for bonds with issue dates from May 1, 1995, through April 1, 1997?
We determine the redemption value of a bond on the accrual date immediately following each semiannual earning period as follows:
(a) We convert the applicable long-term or short-term savings bond rate for the semiannual earning period to decimal form by dividing by 100, and adjust it to a semiannual rate by dividing by 2.
(b) Using redemption values for the base denomination, as defined in § 351.16, we then multiply this rate by the redemption value of the bond at the beginning of the semiannual earning period.
(c) We add the resulting interest amount, rounded to the nearest cent, to the redemption value of the bond at the beginning of the earning period to produce the redemption value at the next semiannual accrual date. The redemption value of a bond remains constant between accrual dates.
Series EE Savings Bonds With Issue Dates of May 1, 1997, Through April 1, 2005
§ 351.29 What are the maturity periods of bonds with issue dates of May 1, 1997, through April 1, 2005?
(a) Original maturity —
(1) Bonds with issue dates from May 1, 1997, to May 1, 2003. Bonds reach original maturity at 17 years after issue date.
(2) Bonds with issue dates of June 1, 2003, through April 1, 2005. Bonds reach original maturity at 20 years after issue date.
(b) Final maturity. Bonds reach final maturity at 30 years after the issue date. Bonds cease to earn interest at final maturity.
[68 FR 24796, May 8, 2003, as amended at 70 FR 17288, Apr. 5, 2005]
§ 351.30 What are interest rates and monthly accruals for Series EE bonds with issue dates of May 1, 1997, through April 1, 2005, during the original maturity period?
Savings bond rates (defined in § 351.13) apply to earnings during the first semiannual rate period beginning on or after the effective date of the rate. Interest is credited on the first day of each month and compounded semiannually. Interest accrues beginning with the fourth month from the issue date. For example, a bond issued in January has interest first credited on May 1, which represents one month of interest because of the 3-month interest penalty. The following table shows, for any given month of issue with rates announced each May and November, the months making up the semiannual rate period during which interest is earned at the announced rate (disregarding the penalty for bonds redeemed prior to 5 years after the issue date) and the months in which the bonds increase in value. This rate is an annual rate compounded semiannually.
| If issue month is— | And rate announcement/effective date is— | Then, semiannual rate periods in which interest is earned include months of— | And bonds increase in value on 1st day of months of— |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan. or Jul | May 1 | Jul. through Dec | Aug. through Jan. |
| Feb. or Aug | May 1 | Aug. through Jan | Sep. through Feb. |
| Mar. or Sep | May 1 | Sep. through Feb | Oct. through Mar. |
| Apr. or Oct | May 1 | Oct. through Mar | Nov. through Apr. |
| May or Nov | May 1 | May through Oct | Jun. through Nov. |
| Jun. or Dec | May 1 | Jun. through Nov | Jul. through Dec. |
| Jan. or Jul | Nov. 1 | Jan. through Jun | Feb. through Jul. |
| Feb. or Aug | Nov. 1 | Feb. through Jul | Mar. through Aug. |
| Mar. or Sep | Nov. 1 | Mar. through Aug | Apr. through Sep. |
| Apr. or Oct | Nov. 1 | Apr. through Sep | May through Oct. |
| May or Nov | Nov. 1 | Nov. through Apr | Dec. through May. |
| Jun. or Dec | Nov. 1 | Dec. through May | Jan. through Jun. |
§ 351.31 What is the interest penalty for Series EE bonds with issue dates of May 1, 1997, through April 1, 2005, that are redeemed less than 5 years after the issue date?
If you redeem a Series EE savings bond with an issue date of May 1, 1997, through April 1, 2005, less than five years following the issue date, we reduce the overall earning period from the issue date by three months. For example, if you redeem a bond issued January 1, 1998, 9 months later on October 1, 1998, we will determine the redemption value by applying the redemption value calculation formula described in § 351.32 and the savings bonds rate for that bond at 6 months after the issue date on July 1, 1998. The redemption value of a bond subject to the 3-month interest penalty shall not be reduced below the issue price. This penalty does not apply to bonds redeemed 5 years or more after the issue date.
[68 FR 24796, May 8, 2003, as amended at 70 FR 17288, Apr. 5, 2005]
§ 351.32 How are redemption values calculated for Series EE bonds with issue dates of May 1, 1997, through April 1, 2005?
(a) Formula for redemption value. We determine the redemption value of a bond for the accrual date (the first day of each month beginning with the fourth month from the issue date) in accordance with this section and the following formula:
FV = PV × {[1 + (i ÷ 2)](m/6)}
where
FV (future value) = redemption value on redemption date rounded to the nearest cent.
PV (present value) = redemption value at the beginning of the semiannual rate period
i = savings bonds rate converted to decimal form by dividing by 100.
m = number of full calendar months outstanding during the semiannual rate period.[1]
(b) Value of bonds at original maturity —
(1) Definitive bond. At original maturity, the redemption value of a definitive bond shall not be less than the face amount/denomination of the bond.
(2) Book-entry bond. At original maturity, the redemption value of a book-entry bond shall not be less than double the purchase price of the bond.
Footnotes - 351.32
[1] The following hypothetical example illustrates how this formula is applied:
Example, assume a hypothetical savings bonds rate of 5.00% effective May 1, 2002, for a bond denominated at $25, with an issue date of September 1, 1997 and a redemption value of $16.00 as of September 1, 2002. The February 1, 2003, redemption value is calculated as follows: Bonds issue dated in September have semiannual rate periods beginning each March 1 and September 1. The first semiannual rate period to begin on or after the effective date of the May 1, 2002, rate would be the period beginning September 1, 2002. PV, the present value, would be the value of the bond at the beginning of the semiannual rate period, on September 1, 2002. The savings bonds rate of 5.00% converted to a decimal would be 0.05. The number of months, m, is 5 since 5 full calendar months (September through January) have lapsed since the beginning of the rate period. FV is then the result of the formula:
FV = $16.00 × {[1 + (0.05 ÷ 2)](5/6)} = $16.33 after rounding to the nearest cent.
Using the example, the FV of a savings bond with a $50 or larger denomination can be determined by applying the appropriate multiple, for example: $16.33 × ($50.00/$25.00) for a bond with a $50.00 face amount; or $16.33 × ($100.00/$25.00) for a bond with a $100.00 face amount.
§ 351.33 What are interest rates and redemption values for Series EE bonds issued May 1, 1997, through April 1, 2005, during an extended maturity period?
During an extended maturity period the bond will be subject to the terms and conditions in effect when it is issued and will continue to earn interest as described in § 351.30, unless the terms and conditions applicable to an extended maturity period are expressly amended prior to the beginning of such period.
Series EE Savings Bonds With Issue Dates of May 1, 2005, or Thereafter
§ 351.34 What are the maturity periods of Series EE bonds with issue dates of May 1, 2005, or thereafter?
(a) Original maturity. Bonds reach original maturity at 20 years after the issue date.
(b) Final maturity. Bonds reach final maturity at 30 years after the issue date. Bonds cease to earn interest at final maturity.
[70 FR 17288, Apr. 9, 2005]
§ 351.35 What do I need to know about interest rates, penalties, and redemption values for Series EE bonds with issue dates of May 1, 2005, or thereafter?
(a) Fixed rate or fixed rate of interest. Fixed rate or fixed rate of interest means the rate of interest for a Series EE savings bond with an issue date of May 1, 2005, or thereafter, established by the Secretary or the Secretary's designee.
(b) Determination of fixed rate of interest.
(1) The Secretary or the Secretary's designee determines the fixed rate of interest, which is established for the life of the bond, including the extended maturity period, unless, prior to the beginning of such maturity period, the Secretary either announces a different fixed rate applicable to the extended maturity period, or we expressly amend the terms and conditions applicable to the extended maturity period.
(2) The Secretary's determination of rates of interest and savings bond redemption values is final and conclusive.
(c) Announcement of fixed rate.
(1) The Secretary or the Secretary's designee will furnish a fixed rate of interest in announcements published each May 1 and November 1. The effective date of the rates will be the first day of the month of the announcement.
(2) If the regularly scheduled date for the announcement is a day when the Treasury is not open for business, then the Secretary will make the announcement on the next business day; however, the effective date of the rates remains the first day of the month of the announcement.
(3) The Secretary may announce rates at any other time.
(4) The most recently announced fixed rate applies only to bonds purchased during the six months following the announcement, or for any other period of time announced by the Secretary.
(d) Monthly accruals. Interest accrues on the first day of each month; that is, we add the interest earned on a bond during any given month to its value at the beginning of the following month. The accrued interest compounds semiannually.
(e) Interest penalty for Series EE bonds redeemed less than 5 years after issue date. If you redeem a bond with an issue date of May 1, 2005, or thereafter, less than five years following the issue date, we reduce the overall earning period from the issue date by three months. However, the redemption value of a bond subject to the 3-month interest penalty shall not be reduced below the issue price. This penalty does not apply to bonds redeemed 5 years or more after the issue date.
(f) Redemption value of Series EE bonds at original maturity —
(1) Definitive bond. At original maturity, the redemption value of a definitive bond shall not be less than the face amount/denomination of the bond.
(2) Book-entry bond. At original maturity, the redemption value of a book-entry bond shall not be less than double the purchase price of the bond.
[70 FR 17289, Apr. 9, 2005]
