8888 Form

Form 8888 is the tax form every taxpayer can use to split their tax refund into two or more accounts and/or purchase US savings bonds. 

It’s a simple tax form that you can fill out in about five to ten minutes. As long as you know what you’re doing, it’s a hassle-free tax form that most taxpayers won’t require a tax professional. 

See 8888 Form 2024 instructions to file. 

Splitting tax refund using 8888

In a single Form 8888, you can split your tax refund into seven different pieces. Allocate your tax refund to three direct deposits, three series I savings bonds, and a paper check. Although it’s rare for most taxpayers to split their tax refunds utilizing each of the three, it’s possible. 

Note: Use Form 8888 only if you’re splitting your refund into two or more pieces. If you want to get the tax refund direct deposited into your account, use the appropriate boxes on Form 1040 instead. See 1040 instructions to file for the 2024 tax season for your 2024 taxes.

Fill out Form 8888 online

Form 8888, Allocation of Refund, is available to fill out online. However, this version of Form 8888 is only for those who are preparing a paper tax return. If you’re e-filing your tax return, you can file the 8888 through the tax preparation service you’re using to submit it.

How to Fill Out the 8888 Form

To complete the 8888 Form, follow these steps:

1. Personal Information: Provide your name, Social Security number, and address.
2. Financial Institutions: Enter the names and routing numbers of the accounts you want to allocate your refund to.
3. Allocation Details: Specify the dollar amount or percentage for each account.
4. Filing Status: Indicate your tax filing status.
5. Sign and Date: Don’t forget to sign and date the form.

What is Form 8888?

The IRS Form 8888 is a tax form used to split a tax refund and allow taxpayers to purchase Series I savings bonds with the refund money. 

You don’t necessarily need to purchase series I savings bonds with the entire refund amount, and the same goes for your refund. You can do it piece by piece. For example, assume your tax refund is $5,000. You can split it halfway into two different accounts to directly deposit $1,250 each. Then, you can purchase $2,000 worth of savings bonds and allocate the rest to a physical paper check. 

Additionally – this has been in the discussions for recently – you cannot use Form 8888 for the stimulus check, in other words, your Economic Impact Payment.

Comparing the 8888 Form to Other Tax Forms

Form	Purpose	Number of Accounts	Filing Method
8888 Form	Allocate tax refund	Up to three	Electronic
1040EZ Form	Simple tax return	N/A	Paper or Electronic
1099 Form	Report income from non-employment	N/A	Paper or Electronic

How Does the 8888 Form Compare to Other Financial Documents?

Aspect	8888 Form	7777 Form	9999 Form
Purpose	Financial transactions	Asset declaration	Tax reporting
Parties Involved	Buyer, seller, agent	Individual, tax authority	Taxpayer, employer
Information Required	Transaction details	Asset information	Income and deductions
Signatures Required	From all parties	From the individual	Individual and employer
Legal Implications	Legally binding	Compliance with laws	Tax obligations

Changes from 2023 to 2024

• Reporting Requirements
  • The 2024 8888 Form introduces new reporting requirements compared to the 2023 version.
• Simplifications
  • 2024 Form streamlines certain reporting processes for businesses.
• Enhanced Transparency
  • The 2024 version places a greater emphasis on transparency in financial reporting.

Section 3: Key Differences: 2023 vs. 2024

Aspect	2023 Form	2024 Form
Reporting Complexity	Moderate	Increased
Data Transparency	Limited	Enhanced
New Reporting Sections	N/A	Yes
Simplified Reporting	No	Yes