Oregon Tax Consultants Practice Exam

Is the interest you receive on tax refunds taxable income?

1. No, it is considered non-taxable

2. Yes, it is considered taxable income

3. Only if it is above a certain threshold

4. It depends on the tax year

The correct answer is: Yes, it is considered taxable income

The interest received on tax refunds is considered taxable income under federal tax law. When the IRS issues a tax refund, if that refund includes interest, the interest component is treated as income for the year in which it is received. This means that taxpayers must report this interest on their tax returns. It's important to note that the IRS will typically provide a Form 1099-INT to the taxpayer if the interest amount is $10 or more, highlighting the requirement to include this interest as part of taxable income. While the other choices may reference certain scenarios that do not apply to the taxability of interest on tax refunds, they do not reflect the established tax treatment under IRS rules. The correct understanding of this tax principle is crucial for accurate tax reporting and compliance.