미국 학생대출자 4,200만 명 가운데 많은 사람이 학생대출 이자공제를 세액공제처럼 착각한다. 이 제도는 과세표준을 줄이는 공제이며 22% 구간에서 1,000달러를 공제해도 절세 효과는 약 220달러에 불과하다. 공제는 소득에 따라 단계적으로 제한될 수 있으므로 소득 요건과 대출기관 발급 1098-E를 확인해 누락 없이 신고해야 한다. 전문가들은 환급금을 고금리 빚 상환, 비상금 확충, 투자에 활용해 재무 안정성을 높이길 권한다.

원문 링크: https://finance.yahoo.com/news/expert-reveals-one-thing-student-141405511.html

Expert Reveals the One Thing Student Loan Borrowers Get Wrong About Taxes

If you’re one of the 42 million Americans who have student loan debt, you could be missing out on a key tax rule this season that helps increase savings.

Between evolving repayment programs and changing tax polices, it’s not surprising there’s confusion. According to an expert there’s one big mistake that can impact how much you owe or get back in taxes .

The biggest mistake student loan borrowers make at tax time is misunderstanding how the student loan interest deduction actually works — or forgetting to claim it altogether, according to Peter Diamond , a federally licensed tax expert with 20 years of experience who has prepared over 5,000 tax returns.

“Many borrowers assume that deducting student loan interest is a dollar-for-dollar tax credit, but it isn’t,” he explains. “A deduction reduces your taxable income, not your tax bill directly and that distinction matters.”

Diamond gave the example of deducting $1,000 in student loan interest in the 22% federal tax bracket. “Your real tax savings are about $220, not $1,000,” he explained.

While it’s still meaningful, expectations should match reality.

Read More: 5 Ways You Can Reduce Your Tax Bill Like a Millionaire, According to Robert Kiyosaki

Check Out: 9 Low-Effort Ways To Make Passive Income (You Can Start This Week)

Another factor take note of is income limits that phase out eligibility, which can surprise higher earners who assume they automatically qualify.

“Because of this, some borrowers either miss the deduction entirely or misunderstand why they can’t claim it,” Diamond said.

Every legitimate deduction is worth claiming, even if the benefit is smaller than people expect. “Make sure you receive your Form 1098-E from your lender, verify eligibility based on income limits, and include it when filing,” Diamond said. “While it won’t eliminate your tax bill, it’s one of those incremental advantages that add up over time — and smart taxpayers don’t leave money on the table.”

Wondering how to utilize your tax refund to stay on track financially? There are a few things you can do, according to Marc Butler, financial advisor and author of “ Master Your Money, Secure Your Future .”

“Use it as an opportunity to pay off high-interest credit card debt, boost emergency savings, or invest,” he said. “Doing one or more of these actions will ensure your tax refund doesn’t just disappear, but instead becomes a tool for building financial security and confidence.”

Source: https://finance.yahoo.com/news/expert-reveals-one-thing-student-141405511.html