31 CFR § 339.1Chapter II

§ 339.1 Definitions of words and terms as used in this circular.

Primary source

Verbatim text below is from the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR), a public-domain U.S. government work. Always verify the current version with the eCFR before relying on it for any legal matter.

Full Text

Unless the context otherwise requires or indicates:

Securities(a) mean outstanding U.S. Savings Bonds of Series E and U.S. Savings Notes (freedom shares).

Ownerprincipal coowner1(b) means an owner of securities, except a commercial bank in its own right (as distinguished from a representative or fiduciary capacity) and a nonresident alien who is a resident of an area with respect to which the Treasury Department restricts or regulates delivery of checks drawn against funds of the United States or any agency or instrumentality thereof. The term includes a registered owner, whether or not a natural person, either coowner (but only the if Series H bonds are requested in a form of registration different from that on the securities submitted), a surviving beneficiary, or any other person who would be entitled to reissue under the regulation governing U.S. Savings Bonds, such as, but not limited to, any person entitled to succeed to the estate of a deceased owner.

Commercial bank(c) means a bank accepting demand deposits.

Interest(d) means the increment in value on Series E savings bonds and on savings notes.

Principal coowner(e) means a coowner who purchased the securities submitted for exchange with his own funds or received them as a gift, legacy or inheritance or as a result of judicial proceedings and had them reissued in coownership form, provided he has received no contribution in money or money's worth from the other coowner for designating him on the securities.

1 Department Circular No. 530, current revision (31 CFR part 315). Copies may be obtained from any Federal Reserve Bank or Branch or the Bureau of the Fiscal Service, Washington, DC 20220.

eCFR data current as of: June 10, 2026

This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.