Converting i-bonds to electronic
Converting i-bonds to electronic
I want to do this but I have found the Treasury Direct web site most unhelpful. For those that have all ready tried to convert, was it seamless or if not, what were your issues?
- stevewolfe
- Posts: 1676
- Joined: Fri Oct 10, 2008 7:07 pm
Re: Converting i-bonds to electronic
Since the site was unhelpful I'm curious why are you thinking you'd like to continue with the electronic conversion vs. keeping them in a safe deposit box, etc?
Re: Converting i-bonds to electronic
vbdoug:
I did it several years ago and don't remember any particular hassle but I don't remember the details at all. I think I had to send the paper bonds with some signed form and it happened over a few weeks, appearing as a linked account in Treasury Direct. I don't believe I had to deal with any TD employee by phone. I may have had to get a notarization on my signature.
Good luck!!
tortuga
I did it several years ago and don't remember any particular hassle but I don't remember the details at all. I think I had to send the paper bonds with some signed form and it happened over a few weeks, appearing as a linked account in Treasury Direct. I don't believe I had to deal with any TD employee by phone. I may have had to get a notarization on my signature.
Good luck!!
tortuga
Re: Converting i-bonds to electronic
Never did it, but the instructions are pretty clear:
Note: rules for converted bonds are different than the rules for bonds purchased at TD. For details, read the Code of Federal Regulations.
This brochure has some more details:
- Open a TreasuryDirect account, if you don't already have one. Simply complete our easy, online application to get started.
- Once your TreasuryDirect account is set up, login, click "Manage Direct," then select "Establish a Conversion Linked Account" in the Manage My Linked Accounts menu.
- After you review the information on the ManageDirect >> Establish a Conversion Account page, click "Create Account" if you wish to create a Conversion Linked Account.
- Click "Manage Direct," then select "How to Convert My Paper Bonds" under the "Manage My Conversions" menu for complete instructions.
 http://www.treasurydirect.gov/readysave ... pSheet.PDFEnter your paper savings bond information to complete the 3 conversion process.
*See reverse side for more details on this step.
• Print two copies of the conversion details (known in TreasuryDirect as a “manifest”).
Mail your paper savings bonds to TreasuryDirect.
4 • Mail a signed copy of your manifest along with your bonds to the address shown on the manifest.
Note: rules for converted bonds are different than the rules for bonds purchased at TD. For details, read the Code of Federal Regulations.
Re: Converting i-bonds to electronic
This thread reminded me to check my TD account to see if my Ibonds were converted. They are.
I mailed them in about 2 1/2 weeks ago, following the instructions sscritic quoted. No big deal,
just fewer pieces of paper to track.
I mailed them in about 2 1/2 weeks ago, following the instructions sscritic quoted. No big deal,
just fewer pieces of paper to track.
Re: Converting i-bonds to electronic
Thank you for your responses. Re stevewolfe, even though I am currently having issues with the web site I would prefer to have all my i-bond investments in electronic form for reasons of simplicity and consistency. Re scritic, the instructions are very clearly written. I had forgotten that I had opened a conversion account ten years ago. For that reason the directions "missed a step" and I was unable to proceed. The form asked for a taxpayer I.D. number. After a long time I learned that was the same as a EIN number. I have never had either. It appears they want a social security number. Lastly, the form is not taking the serial numbers for my first two i-bond numbers. In an earlier Boglehead thread someone speculated that they may not accept the paper conversion {that I purchased with my tax refund} since I have all ready purchased $10,000 earlier in electronic format. I have an email pending to the Treasury Direct asking for assistance.
Apparently no one else had any difficulties so perhaps my case is an aberration.
Apparently no one else had any difficulties so perhaps my case is an aberration.
Re: Converting i-bonds to electronic
Do they need to be kept in a safe deposit box? What happens if house burns and they are at home?stevewolfe wrote:Since the site was unhelpful I'm curious why are you thinking you'd like to continue with the electronic conversion vs. keeping them in a safe deposit box, etc?
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- Posts: 8421
- Joined: Tue Aug 06, 2013 12:43 pm
Re: Converting i-bonds to electronic
You would need to fill out the forms to get them replaced so it's best to have a record of them at least the issue dates and face value but serial numbers are even better.