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Level 1
March 25, 2026
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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?

  • March 25, 2026
  • 2 replies
  • 40 views
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Best answer by DoninGA

Expert Reviewed

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

2 replies

DoninGA
Level 15
DoninGALevel 15Answer
Level 15
March 25, 2026

Expert Reviewed

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
Level 15
Level 15
March 25, 2026

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.