4 Comments

  1. rtfm
    Posted October 25, 2009 at 1:08 am | Permalink

    Whoever’s social security number was used to open the account is the person who would get the 1099 form showing interest earned. They’re the one who needs to claim that interest on their taxes.

  2. StephenW
    Posted October 25, 2009 at 5:53 am | Permalink

    The technically correct way is to multiply the amount of interest by the fraction that each person owns and have the person who receives the 1099-INT from the bank give a 1099-INT to the other person for that person’s amount. For example, if each person has equal ownership rights, then the person who receives the 1099-INT from the bank pays tax on 1/2 and gives a 1099-INT for the other 1/2 to the other person, who pays tax on that half.
    As a practical matter, if it is a small amount and you decide not to handle it correctly, report the interest on the tax return of the person who receives the 1099-INT from the bank.
    If the total interest is less than $10, then no 1099-INT’s are needed and everyone should simply pay tax on their own portion.

  3. Chanteus
    Posted October 25, 2009 at 8:28 am | Permalink

    That needs to be worked out between you and your mother. The IRS doesn’t care who pays it, as long as it gets paid.

  4. jlf
    Posted October 25, 2009 at 9:19 am | Permalink

    Someone got a 1099-INT from the bank. That party includes the interest on their return.

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