Why couldn't I claim student loan interest 2016?

[chuck-crosthwait]

I had student loan interest on a 1098-e in the amount of 920.04. I was able to claim the standard deduction but the student loan interest wasn't added in to my deduction series. I thought student loan interest was always claimed as a deduction. Why wasn't I able to claim it this year?

[PeterM · Accepted solution]

The deduction for Student Loan Interest paid is independent of the Standard or Itemized Deductions. Those deductions are reflected on Line 40 of Form 1040 and Schedule A (if you itemized).

However, the Student Loan Interest deduction shows up on Line 33 of Form 1040.

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

• You paid interest on a qualified student loan in tax year 2016;
• You're legally obligated to pay interest on a qualified student loan;
• Your filing status isn't married filing separately;
• Your modified adjust gross income is less than a specified amount which is set annually( $80,000 or ($160,000 if filing a joint return)); and
• You or your spouse, if filing jointly, can't be claimed as dependents on someone else's return.