Can student loan interest be deducted for Massachusetts when married filing separately? I know not federally.

[kirsten_meid]

I could not add the 1098-E in the federal section since I indicated that I am married filing separately.  There does not seem to be a provision excluding deducting student loan interest for Massachusetts based on filing status.  The online edition does not seem to have the same limitation.

[KatrinaB]

No. The student loan interest deduction for the state of Massachusetts is based on the qualified federal deduction and is not allowed if you did not claim the interest on your federal return.

Massachusetts General Rule:

Massachusetts allows 2 student loan interest deductions for interest paid on a "qualified education loan":

• The federal deduction at I.R.C. § 221 for both graduate and undergraduate student loan interest paid,
  • Reported on Schedule Y, Line 10 which has a maximum amount allowed; and
• The Massachusetts deduction for interest paid on a qualified undergraduate student loan,
• Reported on Schedule Y, line 12 which is unlimited.

Please view the Student Loan Interest Deduction section in the Massachusetts link below for more information.

https://www.mass.gov/service-details/learn-about-education-related-deduction

[jmclark22]

I would still think you would be allowed to take the undergraduate only interest deduction even if you are married filing separately.  I don't see anything in the filing instructions saying you can't