I have been making payments through a payment plan (1098-T) but have not been a student since 2024. Can I still get a tax break?

[DoninGA · Accepted solution]

Student loan payments are not deductible on a tax return.

However, any student loan interest paid is deductible -

To enter student loan interest paid -

Click on Federal Taxes (Personal using Home and Business)
Click on Deductions and Credits
Click on I'll choose what I work on (if shown)
Scroll down to Education
On Student Loan Interest Paid (Form 1098-E), click the start or update button

[Hal_Al]

No.

Payment must be in the same year as the education to qualify for an education/tuition credit. 

There's one minor exception that doesn't apply to your situation.  Paying in 2025 for the first term of 2026 counts for the 2025 tax credit.