student loan interest

[joekimr]

I have one child who graduated in 2020 and one still in college. Both have student loans in their names on which I am cosigner. When preparing my return, Turbo tax advice said I was not eligible to deduct student loan interest because loan is not in my name, but that student could deduct on their return. When preparing my daughter's return, it said that she is not eligible to deduct because she is claimed as  dependent on my return. Thus, no one gets to deduct this interest. Is that true? Thx.

[DawnC]

No, you can claim the interest on your return if you are claiming the child as a dependent and a co-signer - thus legally obligated to pay the debt.   Go back through the interview and update your answers.   If you are claiming them as dependents - they cannot take the deduction on their returns.  

How much can I deduct?

• You may deduct the lesser of $2,500 or the amount of interest you actually paid during the year.
• The deduction is gradually reduced and eventually eliminated by phaseout when your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) amount reaches the annual limit for your filing status.

Qualifications:

You can claim the deduction if all of the following apply:

• You paid interest on a qualified student loan in tax year 2020.
• You or your spouse, if filing jointly, can't be claimed as dependents on someone else's return. (You can take the deduction as a student.  If you're a parent making payments on your dependent student’s loan, you can also take the deduction).
• You're legally obligated to pay interest on a qualified student loan.
• Your filing status isn't married filing separately.
• Your MAGI is less than a specified amount, which is set annually.

[Hal_Al]

Since you are the co-signer, you may deduct the interest payments you make.

You have to meet the rules, which are:

1. You are legally obligated to pay it (being co-signer qualifies)
2.  You actually pay it.

If your daughter pays it, she may deduct it.  But, if she is still your dependent, she cannot. 

[joekimr]

Thanks for the help!