How does the formula work for married borrowers? Your spouse’s income is included in calculating monthly payments even if you file separate tax returns. However, a borrower may request that only his/her income be included if the borrower certifies that s/he is separated from his/her spouse or is unable to reasonably access the spouse’s income information. (See Section 4 of the IDR application and recertification form).
I was thinking of filing married but filing separately. Would that affect the student loan payment?
Possibly, but it could also hurt you taxwise.
<a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/4144453-is-it-better-to-file-married-jointly-or-married-separately">https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/4144453-is-it-better-to-file-married-jointly-or-married-separately</a>
If you file MFS you cannot get any education credits on your tax return.
and keep in mind that IBRPs often last several years, during which your tax situation can change.
How does the formula work for married borrowers? Your spouse’s income is included in calculating monthly payments even if you file separate tax returns. However, a borrower may request that only his/her income be included if the borrower certifies that s/he is separated from his/her spouse or is unable to reasonably access the spouse’s income information. (See Section 4 of the IDR application and recertification form).
Don't know if filing your tax return will keep your student loan payment lower, but if you are required to file a tax return, you must do so, regardless of the effect on your student loan.
DO I NEED TO FILE A TAX RETURN?
https://www.irs.gov/help/ita/do-i-need-to-file-a-tax-return
Who has to file?