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The American Rescue Plan Makes Student Loan Forgiveness Tax-Free

The American Rescue Plan Makes Student Loan Forgiveness Tax-Free

One of the most pressing economic concerns in the United States is the problem of student loan debt. It is something that many politicians have discussed in the last few months, as economists have indicated that it contributes to the number of people living under the poverty line. Among the many benefits included in the American Rescue Plan (ARP) that Congress passed this month and that President Biden signed into law on March 11, 2021 is a tax-free student loan forgiveness amendment that is expected to help eliminate this burden.

Though it did not receive much attention, Section 9675 of the law specifically addresses the issue of taxation with regard to discharge of student loan debt. Under the ARP, from 2021 through the end of 2025, the full or partial discharge of student loan debt for eligible loans will not be viewed as taxable income. Though most student loan forgiveness programs were already tax-free, those that will be added to the eligible list include:

Eligible loans include:

  • Private student loans and private parent loans
  • All state education loan programs
  • Institutional loans made by a university or college
  • All federal student loans and federal parent loans, including FFEL program loans (regardless of whether held by the U.S. Department of Education or commercial lenders), Federal Perkins Loans, Direct Loans, and federal consolidation loans

To qualify for tax-free status upon partial or full discharge, loans must have been “expressly for postsecondary educational expenses, regardless of whether provided through the educational institution or directly to the borrower,” and made, insured or guaranteed by the US government, whether on behalf of federal agencies like the U.S. Department of Education, state governments, private education loan lenders, or universities and colleges. The President's proposed $10,000 in student loan forgiveness will also qualify if the administration moves forward with it.

The new allowances will follow the example set for these circumstances:

  • Death and disability discharges on federal and private student loans
  • Occupation-related forgiveness, such as Teacher Loan Forgiveness, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, certain loan forgiveness programs for nurses and doctors, and many Federal Perkins Loans forgiveness programs.
  • Unpaid refund discharges
  • Closed school discharges
  • False certification discharges

The biggest impact that the new law will have will be on the tax-free status of forgiveness of loans in income-driven repayment plans after 20 or 25 years. The change is expected to lift the burden of debt for hundreds of thousands of individuals who will qualify for forgiveness before the law's expiration and will likely lift many above the poverty line.

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Gordon W. McNamee

Gordon W. McNamee

Gordon W. McNamee is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) based in Rancho Cucamonga, CA. Gordon W. McNamee can assist you with your tax return preparation, payroll, accounting and tax planning needs. <br /> <br /> 2021 is Gordon W. McNamee, CPAs 38th year in the profession. As as a former IRS agent (1984 through 1987), Gordon has been in public accounting since 1987. Gordon specializes in individual, corporate, HOA, trust, estate and payroll taxes. He also prepares financial statements and provides accounting & bookkeeping services. He enjoys making his clients feel at ease while providing a personalized professional service.

GORDON W. MCNAMEE, CPA
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