Skip to main content
TurboTax
Community
TurboTax
TurboTax
ocush_18
Level 1
Jun 1, 2019 2:08 AM UTC
Solved

Am I getting a return for my 2016 student loan interest?

I paid about $1022 in student loan interest in 2016, but I noticed it didn't change my federal refund amount at all. Is that correct? Last year I got more money back for the interest I had paid. Thank you.
Texas RogerAnswer
Level 15
Jun 1, 2019 2:08 AM UTC

Up to $2500 of student loan interest paid can be entered as an adjustment to income. An adjustment to income reduces your adjusted gross income which then reduces your taxable income. If your taxable income is already $0 before entering the adjustment, you get no tax benefit because you can't reduce your taxable income below $0. Last year you may have had taxable income without the adjustment from the student loan interest. 

One other thing. If you are filing a married filing separately tax return, you can't deduct the student loan interest.

View in thread

1 reply

Level 15
Texas RogerLevel 15Answer
Level 15
Jun 1, 2019 2:08 AM UTC

Up to $2500 of student loan interest paid can be entered as an adjustment to income. An adjustment to income reduces your adjusted gross income which then reduces your taxable income. If your taxable income is already $0 before entering the adjustment, you get no tax benefit because you can't reduce your taxable income below $0. Last year you may have had taxable income without the adjustment from the student loan interest. 

One other thing. If you are filing a married filing separately tax return, you can't deduct the student loan interest.

TurboTax flag icon

Unlock tailored help options in your account

Create an account
TurboTax Expert Assist
TurboTax Expert

Get answers to all your tax questions

Our experts are available on-demand, no appointment needed. Get help all year long with TurboTax Expert Assist.

Explore your options
Terms & ConditionsAccessibility statement
Sitemap
Intuit
TurboTax Credit Karma QuickBooks MailChimp

©1997-2026 Intuit, Inc. All rights reserved.
Intuit, QuickBooks, QB, TurboTax, Credit Karma, and Mailchimp are registered trademarks of Intuit Inc. Terms and conditions, features, support, pricing, and service options subject to change without notice.

Security Certification of the TurboTax Online application has been performed by C-Level Security.

By accessing and using this page you agree to the Terms of Use.

About Cookies Manage cookies

TRUSTe nResult Certified e-File C-Level Security Certification
Intuit
TurboTax Credit Karma QuickBooks MailChimp

© 2026 Intuit Canada ULC or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. Intuit, QuickBooks, QB, TurboTax and ProFile are registered trademarks of Intuit Inc. Terms and conditions, features, support, pricing, and service options subject to change without notice.

Copyright © Intuit Canada ULC, 2026. All rights reserved.

About Cookies Manage cookies

Intuit
TurboTax Credit Karma QuickBooks MailChimp

© 2026, Entreprises Intuit Canada ULC ou ses sociétés affiliées. Tous droits réservés. Intuit, QuickBooks, QB, TurboImpôt et ProFile sont des marques déposées d’Intuit Inc. Les modalités, prix, fonctions et options de service et de soutien peuvent changer sans préavis.

© 2026, Entreprises Intuit Canada ULC. Tous droits réservés.

À propos des témoins Gérer les témoins