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January 16, 2025
Question

state tax on US government dividend

  • January 16, 2025
  • 2 replies
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WI state (any state?)does not tax US government bond returns or interest. My broker said this is only the case if you own a US treasury bill outright. If you have a money market account which is partially composed of US government securities then those don't count. True? Example: I own a large money market account, and if I look at the composition, it contains: 4.6% US treasury debt, 40% US treasury repurchase agreements, 6% US government agency repurchase agreements. Can does be excluded for state tax purposes?...Thanks

    2 replies

    January 16, 2025

    state laws vary. read the instructions for your state return on what federal interest can be excluded. usually US repurchase agreements don't qualify.

    SteamTrain
    January 16, 2025

    I think the broker was mistaken.  He might be thinking of Illinois.  I know for IL taxation, you can only subtract the US Bond interest from actual bonds you own, and not Mutual, or Other mixed bond funds.

     

    But 2024 WI, Schedule SB (for WI subtractions) instructions for line 2 indicates the following:

    (I bolded the proper section)

    _________

    Line 2 – United States Government Interest
    Fill in the amount of interest on U.S. bonds and interest and dividends of certain U.S. government corporations that is included on line 3 of Form 1. This income is not taxable.

     

    A mutual fund may invest in U.S. government securities. If it does, a portion or all of its ordinary dividend may not be taxable by Wisconsin. If a mutual fund advised you that all or a portion of its ordinary dividend is from investments in U.S. government securities, include that portion on line 2.


    Caution: Do not fill in on line 2, interest from Ginnie Mae (Government National Mortgage Association) securities and other similar securities which are “guaranteed” by the United States government. You must include interest from these securities in your Wisconsin taxable income."

    ____________________________________________________________________

     

    ....so the 4.6% could be included. 

    But Repurchase agreements?? I'm clueless.

     

    ____________*Answers are correct to the best of my knowledge when posted, but should not be considered to be legal or official tax advice.*