Credit, Debt Relief, Student Loans, Timothy Kingcade Posts

How the Tax Reform Could Affect those Paying off Student Loans

As lawmakers consider two different bills that would overhaul the tax code, several changes on the table could affect Americans who are paying student loans. The House version of the bill would eliminate some tax benefits for those with college costs. However, the Senate version of the bill would leave most of them untouched. Both bills would eliminate many tax breaks, however; they would also roughly double the standard deduction.

If you are currently paying off your student loans, you can use the student loan interest deduction to lower your taxable income by as much as $2,500. It is an “above the line deduction,” meaning it can be claimed without itemizing. It is available to borrowers with modified adjusted gross incomes up to $65,000 or $130,000 of couples filing jointly. The current tax deduction saves people a maximum of $625 per year. The proposed House bill would repeal the deduction while the Senate bill would keep it in place.

If you are paying for your child’s tuition you can currently claim the American Opportunity Tax Credit for up to $2,500 per child enrolled in college each year. The full credit is available to couples earning up to $160,000 per year and an individual earning up to $80,000 per year. The proposed House bill would expand eligibility to a student’s fifth year at a reduced benefit and the Senate version would keep the credit as it is.

Click here to read more on this story.

For borrowers who are struggling with student loan debt, relief options are available. Many student loan borrowers are unaware that they have rights and repayment options available to them, such as postponement of loan payments, reduction of payments or even a complete discharge of the debt. It is important you contact an experienced Miami bankruptcy attorney who can advise you of all your options. As an experienced CPA as well as a proven bankruptcy lawyer, Timothy Kingcade knows how to help clients take full advantage of the bankruptcy laws to protect their assets and get successful results. Since 1996 Kingcade Garcia McMaken has been helping people from all walks of life build a better tomorrow. Our attorneys help thousands of people every year take advantage of their rights under bankruptcy protection to restart, rebuild and recover. The day you hire our firm, we will contact your creditors to stop the harassment. You can also find useful consumer information on the Kingcade Garcia McMaken website at www.miamibankruptcy.com.