Interest, Dividends and Savings Bond Interest

I received dividends from my credit union. How do I report this income?

Certain distributions commonly referred to as dividends are actually interest. They include "dividends" on deposits or share accounts in cooperative banks, credit unions, domestic savings and loan associations, and mutual savings banks.

Interest income can be reported on Form 1040 (PDF), Form 1040A (PDF), or Form 1040EZ (PDF). If your taxable interest income is more than $1,500, be sure to show that income on Form 1040, Schedule B (PDF) or Form 1040A, Schedule 1 (PDF). You cannot file Form 1040EZ if your interest income is more than $1,500. Refer to Tax Topic 403, Interest Received, for additional information on interest income.

Interest/Dividends/Other Types of Income: Savings Bonds

I cashed some Series E, Series EE and Series I savings bonds, how do I report the interest?

If your total taxable interest for the year is more than $1500, you report (and separately identify) the interest on Schedule B of Form 1040 (PDF) or Schedule 1 of Form 1040A (PDF). If your total interest is not more than $1500 for the year, report the savings bond interest with your other interest on the "Interest" line of your tax return. If you do not report the increase in the redemption value of the bonds as interest each year, you must report all of the interest in the year they are cashed or otherwise disposed of. Exception: Some or all of the interest may be excludable from your gross income if you pay qualified higher education expenses for yourself, your spouse, or your dependent during the year.

Reference material:

Publication 550, Investment Income and Expenses