26 USC 135 - Income from United States savings bonds used to pay higher education tuition and fees

U.S Code last checked for updates: Oct 21, 2026

§ 135.

Income from United States savings bonds used to pay higher education tuition and fees

(a)

General rule

(b)

Limitations

(1)

Limitation where redemption proceeds exceed higher education expenses

(A)

In general

If—

(i)

the aggregate proceeds of qualified United States savings bonds redeemed by the taxpayer during the taxable year exceed

(ii)

the qualified higher education expenses paid by the taxpayer during such taxable year,

the amount excludable from gross income under subsection (a) shall not exceed the applicable fraction of the amount excludable from gross income under subsection (a) without regard to this subsection.

(B)

Applicable fraction

(2)

Limitation based on modified adjusted gross income

(A)

In general

(B)

Inflation adjustment

In the case of any taxable year beginning in a calendar year after 1990, the $40,000 and $60,000 amounts contained in subparagraph (A) shall be increased by an amount equal to—

(i)

such dollar amount, multiplied by

(ii)

the cost-of-living adjustment under section 1(f)(3) for the calendar year in which the taxable year begins, determined by substituting “calendar year 1989” for “calendar year 2016” in subparagraph (A)(ii) thereof.

(C)

Rounding

(c)

Definitions

For purposes of this section—

(1)

Qualified United States savings bond

The term “qualified United States savings bond” means any United States savings bond issued—

(A)

after December 31, 1989,

(B)

to an individual who has attained age 24 before the date of issuance, and

(C)

at discount under section 3105 of title 31, United States Code.

(2)

Qualified higher education expenses

(A)

In general

The term “qualified higher education expenses” means tuition and fees required for the enrollment or attendance of—

(i)

the taxpayer,

(ii)

the taxpayer’s spouse, or

(iii)

any dependent of the taxpayer with respect to whom the taxpayer is allowed a deduction under section 151,

at an eligible educational institution.

(B)

Exception for education involving sports, etc.

(C)

Contributions to qualified tuition program and Coverdell education savings accounts

(3)

Eligible educational institution

(4)

Modified adjusted gross income

The term “modified adjusted gross income” means the adjusted gross income of the taxpayer for the taxable year determined—

(A)

without regard to this section and sections 85(c), 137, 221, 911, 931, and 933, and

(B)

after the application of sections 86, 469, and 219.

(d)

Special rules

(1)

Adjustment for certain scholarships and veterans benefits

The amount of qualified higher education expenses otherwise taken into account under subsection (a) with respect to the education of an individual shall be reduced (before the application of subsection (b)) by the sum of the amounts received with respect to such individual for the taxable year as—

(A)

a qualified scholarship which under section 117 is not includable in gross income,

(B)

an educational assistance allowance under chapter 30, 31, 32, 34, or 35 of title 38, United States Code,

(C)

a payment (other than a gift, bequest, devise, or inheritance within the meaning of section 102(a)) for educational expenses, or attributable to attendance at an eligible educational institution, which is exempt from income taxation by any law of the United States, or

(D)

a payment, waiver, or reimbursement of qualified higher education expenses under a qualified tuition program (within the meaning of section 529(b)).

(2)

Coordination with other higher education benefits

The amount of the qualified higher education expenses otherwise taken into account under subsection (a) with respect to the education of an individual shall be reduced (before the application of subsection (b)) by—

(A)

the amount of such expenses which are taken into account in determining the credit allowed to the taxpayer or any other person under section 25A with respect to such expenses; and

(B)

the amount of such expenses which are taken into account in determining the exclusions under sections 529(c)(3)(B) and 530(d)(2).

(3)

No exclusion for married individuals filing separate returns

(4)

Regulations

(Added Pub. L. 100–647, title VI, § 6009(a), Nov. 10, 1988, 102 Stat. 3688; amended Pub. L. 101–239, title VII, § 7816(c)(2), Dec. 19, 1989, 103 Stat. 2420; Pub. L. 101–508, title XI, §§ 11101(d)(1)(E), 11702(h), Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1388–405, 1388–516; Pub. L. 104–188, title I, §§ 1703(d), 1806(b)(1), 1807(c)(2), Aug. 20, 1996, 110 Stat. 1875, 1898, 1902; Pub. L. 105–34, title II, §§ 201(d), 211(c), 213(e)(2), Aug. 5, 1997, 111 Stat. 805, 811, 817; Pub. L. 105–206, title VI, § 6004(c)(1), (d)(4), (9), July 22, 1998, 112 Stat. 793–795;

cite as: 26 USC 135