Why can't I deduct student loan interest?

Asked by: Ms. Susan Nitzsche PhD  |  Last update: July 3, 2025
Score: 4.7/5 (28 votes)

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.

Why am I not getting student loan interest deduction?

You may have been in the wrong 1098 section. If you paid less than $600 in interest to a federal loan servicer during the tax year and do not receive a 1098-E, you may contact your servicer for the exact amount of interest you paid during the year so you can then report that amount on your taxes.

Can I deduct all of my student loan interest?

You may deduct the lesser of $2,500 or the amount of interest you actually paid during the year. The deduction is gradually reduced and eventually eliminated by phaseout when your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) amount reaches the annual limit for your filing status.

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

No, you can't deduct student loan interest when filing separately. It's a deduction that is income based, and as they don't know your spouse's income if you file separately, they don't allow it when filing separately.

Can you get interest taken off student loans?

Depending on your income and tax filing status, you may be able to claim up to $2,500 of the student loan interest you paid in a given year. If your payment is too high, seek income-driven repayment rather than a pause on payments. Pauses, known as deferment and forbearance, are not long-term solutions.

How to Deduct Student Loan Interest to Save On Taxes

23 related questions found

Why am I not being charged interest on my student loans?

If your loans are subsidized, you are not responsible for paying the interest that accrues while you're in school. If your loans are unsubsidized, you're responsible for all the interest that accrues, even while you're in school. Learn about the differences between subsidized and unsubsidized loans.

Can I keep leftover student loan money?

Grants and Student Loans

Any money left over is paid to you directly for other education expenses. If you get your loan money, but then you realize that you don't need the money after all, you may cancel all or part of your loan within 120 days of receiving it and no interest or fees will be charged.

Can parents take a student loan interest deduction?

Whether you're a student or a parent, you must be responsible for and have paid the interest on the student loan during the tax year. For example, if your parents are directly repaying a student loan you took out, neither you nor your parents are eligible to claim the deduction.

Do you inherit your spouse's student loan debt?

Federal student debt is discharged upon the death of the borrower. Many private lenders will also cancel debt when the borrower dies, but policies vary by lender. Loved ones or spouses can't inherit student loan debt.

What is the penalty for filing single when married?

Any legally married couple can opt to file their tax returns separately. The "married filing separately" status doesn't come with any tax penalties but you might miss out on some tax breaks and end up with higher taxes. Don't assume filing jointly is always the best option.

How does a 1098 affect my taxes?

How Does a 1098 Affect My Taxes? If you want to claim a deduction for the amount of interest you've paid on your mortgage over the last year, you can file the 1098 form(s) you received. By claiming the deduction, you'll be able to directly reduce your taxable income.

Will I get a tax refund if I owe student loans?

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.

What is the phase out for student loan interest deduction?

For 2023, the amount of your student loan interest deduction is gradually reduced (phased out) if your MAGI is between $75,000 and $90,000 ($155,000 and $185,000 if you file a joint return). You can't claim the deduction if your MAGI is $90,000 or more ($185,000 or more if you file a joint return). See chapter 4.

How do I know if I qualify for student loan interest 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.

Does 1098-E increase refunds?

Student loan interest is a deduction that reduces your taxable income. Therefore, you will not see your refund increase by the amount shown on your Form 1098-E. This means that with a lower taxable income you will pay less taxes.

Why do all my student loans say 0% interest?

Recently, the Federal Reserve Board and its Chairman Jerome Powell declared that the benchmark interest rate will remain at essentially zero for the balance of 2021, 2022, and well into 2023, a reflection of the continued economic challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Rep.

Are student loans forgiven at death?

What happens to my loans if I die? If you die, then your federal student loans will be discharged after the required proof of death is submitted.

Do I have to pay my wife's student loans after divorce?

Typically, student loan debt incurred before the marriage is the responsibility of the person who took on the debt, while a student loan taken during the marriage may be the responsibility of both spouses, even after divorce.

What happens to student loans after 25 years?

Borrowers who have reached 20 or 25 years (240 or 300 months) worth of eligible payments for IDR forgiveness will see their loans forgiven as they reach these milestones. ED will continue to discharge loans as borrowers reach the required number of months for forgiveness.

Who can write off student loan interest?

Student Loan Interest Deduction

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.

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.

Can a parent remove themselves from student loan?

If your parent co-signed a private student loan, you can refinance it to remove their name. But if you can't qualify for a refinance — or if the new loan will be more expensive — most private lenders will release your co-signer without changing your loan's terms. The requirements for co-signer release vary by lender.

Can I use student loans to pay my mortgage?

Unfortunately, student loans can't be used toward real estate purchases, even if it's helping you secure a more stable living situation. You can, however, use the funds to pay for on- or off-campus housing as long as it's not above the average amount students typically pay at your school.

How do I permanently get rid of student loans?

If you work full time for a government or nonprofit organization, you may qualify for forgiveness of the entire remaining balance of your Direct Loans after you've made 120 qualifying payments—i.e., at least 10 years of payments. To benefit from PSLF, you need to repay your federal student loans under an IDR plan.

What can you not spend student loans on?

Debt: Don't use your loan to pay off credit cards, a car note, or other debt. You also can't use it to pay for a down payment on a new house or condo. Non-school services: You can't use your loan for hiring cleaners, paying gym fees, or any other non-education services.