Education Tax Breaks - Tax Credits, Deductions, and Savings Plans
The US tax code provides a number of benefits and tax breaks to students and to all taxpayers seeking to further their education beyond secondary school (high school).
Should I File as a Student?
Tax Credits for Students
Tax Deductions for Students
Tax Free Savings Accounts for Students
Other Tax Breaks for Students
Student Tax Returns - Should I File?
If you are a student, you may be required to file a tax return. You may even want to file one in order to take advantage of student tax breaks. Find out if you need to file a tax return.
Even if you are not required to file a tax return, you may want to file one in order to take advantage of the tax breaks on this page. Find out how to file a student income tax return.
Tax Credits for Students
You may be able to claim one of two different student tax credits:
The American Opportunity Credit (formerly The Hope Credit)
If you are in your first four years of post-secondary school, you should learn about the new American Opportunity Credit.
The Lifetime Learning Credit
If you have already had four years of post-secondary education, you may qualify for the Lifetime Learning Credit.
Tax Deductions for Students
Whether or not you claimed a student tax credit, you may be interested in the two available student tax deductions:
Student Loan Interest Deduction
Even if you claimed a student tax credit, you can still deduct your student loan interest.
Tuition and Fees Deduction
If you did not take either student tax credit, you may be able to deduct your school tuition and fees.
Tax-Free Savings Accounts for Students
There are two ways to save money for education in a tax-free account:
Qualified Tuition Programs (QTPs) - 529 College Savings Plans
Anyone can save money tax-free with a Qualified Tuition Program (a 529 Savings Plan).
Coverdell Educational Savings Accounts - Coverdell ESAs
There are more restrictions than on a QTP, but a good way to save money for education is a Coverdell ESA.
Other Tax Breaks and Savings for Students
Tax-Free Scholarships
Money from a scholarship or grant is generally not taxable income.
Tax-Free Educational Assistance from Employers (127 Plan)
Your employer can help pay your education expenses for you, even if it is not job-related. To you, this is tax-free income.
Retirement Plan Funds
There is generally a hefty tax penalty for an early withdrawal of funds from a Traditional or Roth IRA. But the penalty is waived if you use these funds to pay qualified education expenses for you, your spouse, your child, or your grandchild.
U.S. Savings Bonds
You may redeem Series EE and Series I savings bonds tax-free if the funds are used to pay qualified education expenses for you, your spouse, or your dependents.
Student Tax Tips and Myths
Find out common tax myths and essential student tax tips.
Money Saving Tips for College Students
Find out helpful money saving tips for college students as well as other saving tips for any occasion or situation.
Need help? Ask FREE Tax Questions!
Are you a current college student? efile.com offers discounts to college students. See if your school qualifies for the student discount.
Find out about other family and job-related federal tax credits.
See what other tax deductions and tax credits may be available to you.
Use our free tax tools to help calculate taxes or determine elegibility for certain tax credits.