4.17 Amortization of Bond Premium
Bond premium is the extra amount paid for a bond in excess of its principal or face amount when the value of the bond has increased due to falling interest rates. The premium is included in your basis in the bond but if the bond pays taxable interest, you may elect to amortize the premium by deducting it over the life of the bond. Amortizing the premium annually is usually advantageous because it gives an annual deduction to offset the interest income from the bond. Basis of the bond is reduced by the amortized premium. If you claim amortization deductions and hold the bond to maturity, basis is reduced by the entire amortized premium and you have neither gain nor loss at redemption.
You may not claim a deduction for a premium paid on a tax-exempt bond. However, you must still reduce your basis in the bond by the annual amortization amount. The amortized amount also reduces the amount of tax-exempt interest that you report on your return (4.24).
Dealers in bonds may not deduct amortization but must include the premium as part of cost.
Planning Reminder
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