Are student loans tax deductible?

Asked by: Lucile Kertzmann  |  Last update: November 16, 2025
Score: 4.2/5 (60 votes)

You can take a tax deduction for the interest paid on student loans that you took out for yourself, your spouse, or your dependent. This benefit applies to all loans (not just federal student loans) used to pay for higher education expenses. The maximum deduction is $2,500 a year.

Can you write off student loan payments on taxes?

Student loan interest is interest you paid during the year on a qualified student loan. It includes both required and voluntarily prepaid interest payments. You may deduct the lesser of $2,500 or the amount of interest you actually paid during the year.

What is the income limit for student loan deduction?

To claim the Student Loan Interest Deduction, your MAGI must be $90,000 or less for single filers and $185,000 or less for joint filers in 2023. The deduction phases out for single filers with MAGIs of $75,000 to $90,000 and joint filers with MAGIs of $155,000 to $185,000.

Can you get a tax refund if you have a student loan?

Usually only the state and federal governments are able to take your tax refund, therefore you'll probably get your refund if your student loan debt isn't: With the state or federal government. Part of a federally insured student loan program.

Is it worth claiming student loan interest on taxes?

Reporting the amount of student loan interest you paid in 2023 on your federal tax return may count as a deduction. A deduction reduces the amount of your income that is subject to tax, which may benefit you by reducing the amount of tax you may have to pay.

Should You Even Pay Off A Student Loan?

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How to get the full $2500 American Opportunity credit?

To claim the American opportunity credit complete Form 8863 and submit it with your Form 1040 or 1040-SR. Enter the nonrefundable part of the credit on Schedule 3 (Form 1040 or 1040-SR), line 3. Enter the refundable part of the credit on Form 1040 or 1040-SR, line 29.

Do student loans count as income for housing?

Dependent Income: If you are full-time student and a dependent, any money you earn won't be counted in your household's income to determine rent. Any loans you receive also won't be counted as income if the borrower or co-borrower is a member of the household.

Are student loans considered income?

Student loans aren't considered as taxable income by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Because your student loans come in a lump sum that feels like "getting" money, you might think that you're required to report them on your tax return. But, like with any loan, this funding isn't considered income for tax purposes.

What school expenses are tax deductible?

Qualified education expenses

Tuition and fees required to enroll at or attend an eligible educational institution. Course-related expenses, such as fees, books, supplies, and equipment that are required for the courses at the eligible educational institution.

Are Sallie Mae student loans tax deductible?

Student loan borrowers may be eligible to deduct up to $2,500 in interest paid on student loans. Students with qualified tuition reductions may not have to include the value of the reduction in the income they report. Have student loans?

What is the tax break for students?

The American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC) is a credit for qualified education expenses paid for an eligible student for the first four years of higher education. You can get a maximum annual credit of $2,500 per eligible student.

Why can't I claim student loan interest married filing separately?

Your filing status is any status except married filing separately. No one else is claiming you as a dependent. You're legally obligated to pay interest on a qualified student loan.

How much of mortgage interest is deductible?

You can deduct the interest you paid on the first $750,000 of your mortgage. For married couples filing separately, the limit is $375,000.

Is there a tax form for paying off student loans?

Student loan interest payments are reported both to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and to you on IRS Form 1098-E, Student Loan Interest Statement.

Who qualifies for the education tax credit?

You, your dependent or a third party pays qualified education expenses for higher education. An eligible student must be enrolled at an eligible educational institution. The eligible student is yourself, your spouse or a dependent you list on your tax return.

How do I reduce my taxable income?

Individuals can take advantage of various tax-related retirement planning strategies to reduce their taxable income today and post-retirement.
  1. Traditional 401(k) and Roth 401(k) ...
  2. Traditional IRA and Roth IRA. ...
  3. Solo 401(k) and SEP-IRA. ...
  4. Bunching Donations. ...
  5. Donate stock or appreciated assets. ...
  6. Qualified Charitable Distributions.

How much of my child's college tuition is tax deductible?

You can claim the American opportunity tax credit (AOTC) on 100% of the first $2,000 of your child's college tuition and expenses and 25% of the next $2,000 in tuition and related expenses, up to a maximum of $2,500 per year. The eligible expenses include: Qualified tuition and fees.

Can I claim my computer as a tax deduction for school?

The cost of a personal computer is generally a personal expense that's not deductible. However, you may be able to claim an American opportunity tax credit for the amount paid to buy a computer if you need a computer to attend your university.

How does a student loan affect your tax return?

Student loans can factor into your taxes as the interest is often tax deductible. So, you can reduce your tax bill if you include the amount of interest you've paid during the tax year.

Are student loans forgiven taxable?

Right now, anyone who receives student loan forgiveness between 2021 and 2025 will not have to pay taxes on any amount of student debt forgiveness.

Do I have to report financial aid on my taxes?

Most forms of financial aid are not taxable. For example, students typically do not pay taxes on student loans, grants, or scholarships. There are exceptions, however. Students must pay taxes on work-related income distributed as financial aid.

Do you count student loans as income?

When filing taxes, don't report your student loans as income. Student loans aren't taxable because you'll eventually repay them. Free money used for school is treated differently. You don't pay taxes on scholarship or fellowship money used toward tuition, fees and equipment or books required for coursework.

Can student housing be claimed on taxes?

However, the cost of your housing – whether on campus or off – is not included in the list of expenses that qualify for a tax credit. On the other hand, if you have financed your college education by taking out a student loan, you may be able to claim a small tax benefit for your housing costs.

Do student loans affect section 8?

For students receiving Section 8 assistance, all financial assistance a student receives (1) under the Higher Education Act of 1965, (2) from private sources, or (3) from an institution of higher education that is in excess of amounts received for tuition is included in annual income except if the student is over the ...