
If you're struggling with student loan debt, you're not alone. According to the article, over 44 million Americans collectively owe over $1.7 trillion in student loan debt.
To help alleviate this burden, the government offers a tax credit that can provide significant relief. The Student Loan Debt Relief Tax Credit can help you save up to $2,500 per year.
To qualify for this tax credit, you must meet certain income requirements. The article states that the credit is fully refundable for individuals with modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) below $80,000.
Related reading: Credit Debt Resolution
Qualifications and Eligibility
To be eligible for the student loan debt relief tax credit, you'll need to meet certain qualifications. You must have obtained an associate, bachelor's, or graduate degree after 2007.
Your education must have come from an accredited school anywhere on Earth, and you were a Maine resident during the tax year. Additionally, you must have had a certain amount of earned income during the tax year, which is $11,934 for 2022.
Your loan payments must have been made directly to the lender, and they must be for higher education loans, not family loans or home equity loans.
Related reading: Can 17 Year Olds Get Credit Cards
Maryland Tax Credit Eligibility

To qualify for the Maryland Student Loan Debt Relief Tax Credit, you need to meet certain requirements.
You must have been eligible for in-state tuition and graduated from a university or college in Maryland.
To be eligible, you must have an outstanding student loan balance of at least $5,000.
You must have borrowed at least $20,000 in student loans.
You must file 2022 Maryland state income taxes.
You must claim Maryland residency for the 2022 tax year.
Here are the key eligibility requirements summarized in a table:
Taxable Income?
Your taxable income is the amount of money you earn that's subject to income tax. It's calculated by subtracting deductions and exemptions from your total income.
To determine your taxable income, you'll need to know your total income, which includes wages, salaries, tips, and self-employment income. This information is typically reported on your W-2 form.
Deductions, on the other hand, can help lower your taxable income. These can include things like charitable donations, mortgage interest, and medical expenses.
Expand your knowledge: Are Credit Card Fees Subject to Sales Tax
Understanding the Tax Credit
To qualify for student loan debt relief tax credits, you'll need to meet certain requirements.
You must have graduated from a university or college in the state where you're applying for the credit, such as Maryland or Maine.
In Maryland, applicants must have been eligible for in-state tuition and have a higher burden to income ratio. They also can't have received the tax credit the previous year.
To be eligible in Maryland, you'll need to have an outstanding student loan balance of at least $5,000 and have borrowed at least $20,000 in student loans.
In Maine, the Student Loan Repayment Program offers a refundable tax credit of up to $2,500 per year, which can add up to $25,000 over your lifetime.
To apply for the Maine program, you'll simply need to fill out a worksheet with your annual tax return.
Take a look at this: What Is a Debt Consolidation Program
Applying for the Tax Credit
The application process for the Maryland Student Loan Debt Relief Tax Credit is relatively straightforward. You can apply online through the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) website. The deadline to apply is September 15, so don't wait!
You might enjoy: Apply for Apple Credit Account
To apply, you'll need to meet the eligibility requirements, which include having an outstanding student loan balance of at least $5,000, borrowing at least $20,000 in student loans, filing 2022 Maryland state income taxes, and claiming Maryland residency for the 2022 tax year.
Once you've submitted your application, the MHEC will review it and notify you via email. If you receive the credit, be sure to keep proof of how you used it to pay off debt, as you may need to provide this information in the future.
Here are the key application details:
- Application deadline: September 15
- Apply online through the MHEC website
- Provide proof of using the credit for debt repayment
Maryland Tax Credit Application
The deadline to apply for the Maryland Student Loan Debt Relief Tax Credit is approaching quickly, so don't wait – you have until September 15 to submit your application online.
To get started, head to the Maryland Higher Education Commission's website to access the application. Once you've submitted it, the MHEC will review your application and notify you via email with their decision.
You'll need to provide proof that the credit was used to pay off debt, or you might have to repay the money you received.
A different take: Maryland Debt Consolidation
Loans Update
The student loan landscape is constantly evolving, and it's essential to stay informed about the latest developments. The current student loan interest deduction does not take debt burden into account, whereas the model student loan interest credit does.
The pandemic has had a significant impact on the economy, leading to unprecedented stimulus measures. The U.S. economy has recovered following a $6 trillion injection of pandemic relief.
The current student loan interest deduction has a phase-out of $100-130k joint and $50-65k single income, whereas the model student loan interest credit has a phase-out of $100-140k joint and $50-70k single income.
You can receive up to $2,500 back per year as a refundable tax credit through the Student Loan Repayment Program in Maine. This credit is available to those who live and work in Maine.
The model student loan interest credit helps both middle-income and low-income households, whereas the current student loan interest deduction does not help low-income households.
Expand your knowledge: Current Expected Credit Losses
Payment and Interest
You can receive up to $2,500 back per year as a refundable tax credit through the Student Loan Repayment Program in Maine.
The refundable tax credit can add up to a significant amount over time, with a maximum of $25,000 available over your lifetime.
To apply, you'll need to fill out a simple worksheet with your annual tax return information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you get tax relief for paying student loans?
Unfortunately, you can't deduct student loan payments on your taxes, but you may be eligible for a limited tax deduction for interest paid, up to $2,500
Will I still get my tax refund if I owe student loans?
Yes, you can still receive your tax refund even if you owe student loans, unless you're significantly behind on payments
What is the student tax credit for 2024?
The American Opportunity Tax Credit for 2024 offers up to $2,500 per student, covering 100% of the first $2,000 in college costs and 25% of the next $2,000. This credit can be used for tuition, fees, and required course materials like books and supplies.
What is the student loan deduction for 2024?
For tax year 2024, the maximum student loan interest deduction is $2,500. Eligibility requires a modified adjusted gross income under $80,000 ($165,000 for joint filers).
Is student loan forgiveness taxable in 2024?
No, student loan forgiveness is tax-free in 2024, but only for amounts forgiven between 2021 and 2025. Check if you're eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) or Income-Driven Repayment (IDR) forgiveness
Sources
- https://www.liveandworkinmaine.com/opportunity-maine
- https://www.fatherly.com/news/maryland-student-debt-tax-credit-deadline-coming
- https://www.cnbc.com/2024/03/18/student-loan-forgiveness-would-remain-tax-free-under-bidens-budget.html
- https://ticas.org/model-legislation-a-federal-tax-credit-for-student-loan-interest/
- https://taxfoundation.org/blog/student-loan-debt-forgiveness/
Featured Images: pexels.com