Older Savings Bonds May Have Stopped Paying Interest

When a U.S. Savings Bond reaches original maturity, it automatically enters one or more extension periods (usually ten years). During these periods of extension, the bonds continue to earn interest. However, the extension periods for some bonds have expired, and they no longer earn interest. So if you or a family member have some old Series E Bonds lying about, it might be well worth your time to double check their maturity against the following chart.

Series

Issue Date

Final Maturity

E
E
EE
H
H
HH

05/41 to 11/65
12/65 to 06/80
All Issues
06/52 to 01/57
02/57 to 12/79
All Issues

40 Years
30 Years
30 Years
29 Years, 8 Months
30 Years
20 Years

Keep in mind that U.S. Savings Bond interest is only taxable on the Federal return and exempt from state taxation, if applicable.