Savings Bond with Anglicized Name and Giver's SSN and Address -- Can I Still Redeem?

December 19, 2004 9:19 PM

Incorrect information on US Savings Bonds... Some bonds that were given to me years ago are coming of age, and horror of horrors, there's one that's got just about every piece of information wrong. The last name has been Anglicized, the social security number is the giver's, and the address under my name is the giver's as well (I suspect this came from a well-meaning relative who used a not-too-perceptive messenger to actually get the bond).

Will it be a big hassle to redeem this bond when the time comes? I'm told that if it's just a name or a SS number that's incorrect, it's usually not a problem, but this seems like the next level.
posted by greatgefilte to work & money (2 comments total)

Yes, it will probably be a hassle. If you have an account with a small, local bank that cashes bonds (some don't), your best bet is to sit down with them. You'll probably still need the giver's help, but a local staff can ease the process.
posted by cribcage at 7:26 AM on December 20, 2004

The address probably doesn't matter. The incorrect SSN is more problematical. Can you get a letter from the person you gave you the bonds, saying that the SSN on them is that person's?

In any case, this is from the a FAQ of the Bureau of Public Debt

7.1) Is it necessary to correct an incorrect SSN or EIN on my bonds and, if so, how do I do it?

Since the SSN or EIN shown on your bonds is used to maintain your HH/H account on our records and to report interest income to the IRS, it's important that our office have your correct SSN or EIN on file. It's not, however, necessary to reissue the bonds to correct an incorrect number. When you cash the bonds, show the correct number when signing the request for payment.

If the SSN or EIN is incorrect on your HH/H bond(s):
o send both the incorrect and correct SSN or EIN and
o an IRS Form W-9 completed and signed by you.
posted by WestCoaster at 11:01 AM on December 20, 2004