How much of student loan interest is deductible?
Jessica Burns
Published Mar 04, 2026
$2,500
The student loan interest deduction allows borrowers to deduct up to $2,500 of the interest paid on a loan for higher education directly on Form 1040. Eligibility for the deduction includes an individual’s filing status and income level. The deduction is capped at the amount paid for those who paid less than $2,500.
Is student loan interest deductible in 2021?
Income limits for claiming the deduction For your 2020 taxes, which you will file in 2021, the student loan interest deduction is worth up to $2,500 for a single filer, head of household, or qualifying widow(er) with MAGI of less than $70,000.
Is the student loan interest deduction worth it?
The student loan interest deduction allows you to deduct up to $2,500. If you meet all of the eligibility criteria, the maximum amount of interest you can deduct per year is $2,500. Deductions aren’t worth as much as credits, but they can still save you money.
Is there a phaseout for student loan interest deduction?
Phase-out Ends You can deduct up to $2,500 in student loan interest or the actual amount of interest you paid, whichever is less, if your MAGI is under the threshold where the phase-out begins. Your limit is prorated if your MAGI falls within the phase-out range—for example, $70,000 to $85,000 if you’re single.
What is the AGI limit for student loan interest deduction?
You can claim student loan interest on your taxes, however the student loan interest deduction begins to phase out if your adjusted gross income (AGI) is: $80,000 if filing single, head of household, or qualifying widow(er) $165,000 if married filing jointly.
Does student loan interest affect tax return?
The student loan interest deduction is an “above the line” deduction, meaning it reduces your taxable income. If you are in the 22% tax bracket and you are able to take the full $2,500 tax deduction, it could save you $550 in taxes.
Can you write off student loan interest 2020?
Know Income Eligibility for Student Loan Interest Deduction For 2020 taxes, which are to be filed in 2021, the maximum student loan interest deduction is $2,500 for a single filer, head of household, or qualifying widow or widower with a modified adjusted gross income of less than $70,000.
Can you deduct student loan interest 2020?
Can a dependent claim student loan interest deduction?
You can’t deduct qualified student loan interest payments you paid on a loan in your dependent’s name. Neither of you can deduct the loan interest if both of these are true: You claim the student as a dependent. You pay the student’s loan interest.
What is the income limit for student loan interest deduction 2019?
The limit of the amount of income you can make and still qualify for the student loan interest deduction, based on your filing status, for the 2019 tax year is: Single: $85,000. Married filing jointly: $170,000. Head of household: $85,000.
Can you deduct student loan interest on your taxes?
The answer is yes. In fact, you could qualify to deduct up to $2,500 of student loan interest per return per year. You can claim the student loan interest tax deduction as an adjustment to income. You don’t need to itemize deductions to claim it.
What is the maximum amount of interest you can claim on a student loan?
The most student loan interest you can claim as a tax deduction is limited to $2,500 as of the 2018 tax year.
Can a parent claim interest on a student loan?
If your parents are required to pay the loan interest or they claim you as their dependent, you can’t claim the deduction. But if your loans are in your name and you are not a dependent, you can deduct the interest on your tax return.
How is the student loan interest deduction phased out?
Deduction Phaseouts The student loan interest deduction is reduced—or phased out—in part or entirely for taxpayers with certain levels of modified adjusted gross income (MAGI). If you fall in the middle range of incomes and your deduction is reduced by the phaseout, you will need to calculate the amount you can deduct.