Line 8a: Interest
- Gather all your 1099-INT statements from each bank that reported your interest earnings for the year.
- Using a calculator, add up all the interest amounts from every 1099-INT.
- Put the total figure on Line 8a.
- If you have more than $1,500 in interest, you must fill out Schedule B (PDF) and attach it to your Form 1040.
Line 8b: Tax-Exempt Interest
- Add up all the tax-exempt interest you have earned on municipal bonds. Put the total on Line 8b. Do not include this interest in your taxable interest on line 8a.
