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The IRS 1098-E form plays a crucial role for many individuals navigating the complexities of student loan interest. Each year, eligible borrowers receive this form from their loan servicers to report the amount of interest paid on qualified student loans. The information on the 1098-E helps taxpayers determine potential deductions when they file their federal tax returns. Generally, if a borrower has paid $600 or more in interest during the tax year, the servicer is required by the IRS to issue this form. The 1098-E not only assists in accurately reporting student loan interest but also helps borrowers take advantage of the student loan interest deduction, which can lower taxable income. Understanding this form is essential for ensuring that one maximizes potential financial benefits related to educational expenses. Both federal and private student loans can be reported, making it vital for borrowers to keep track of all their loans and the interest accrued throughout the year.

Form Sample

Attention:

Copy A of this form is provided for informational purposes only. Copy A appears in red, similar to the official IRS form. The official printed version of Copy A of this IRS form is scannable, but the online version of it, printed from this website, is not. Do not print and file copy A downloaded from this website; a penalty may be imposed for filing with the IRS information return forms that can’t be scanned. See part O in the current General Instructions for Certain Information Returns, available at www.irs.gov/form1099, for more information about penalties.

Please note that Copy B and other copies of this form, which appear in black, may be downloaded and printed and used to satisfy the requirement to provide the information to the recipient.

To order official IRS information returns, which include a scannable Copy A for filing with the IRS and all other applicable copies of the form, visit www.IRS.gov/orderforms. Click on Employer and Information Returns, and we’ll mail you the forms you request and their instructions, as well as any publications you may order.

Information returns may also be filed electronically using the IRS Filing Information Returns Electronically (FIRE) system (visit www.IRS.gov/FIRE) or the IRS Affordable Care Act Information Returns (AIR) program (visit www.IRS.gov/AIR).

See IRS Publications 1141, 1167, and 1179 for more information about printing these tax forms.

8484

VOID

CORRECTED

RECIPIENT’S/LENDER’S name, street address, city or town, state or

 

OMB No. 1545-1576

 

 

province, country, ZIP or foreign postal code, and telephone number

 

 

 

Student

 

 

 

2021

 

 

 

 

 

Loan Interest

 

 

 

 

 

Statement

 

 

 

Form 1098-E

 

 

RECIPIENT’S TIN

BORROWER’S TIN

1 Student loan interest received by lender

Copy A

 

 

$

 

 

For

BORROWER’S name

 

 

 

 

Internal Revenue

 

 

 

 

 

Service Center

 

 

 

 

 

File with Form 1096.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Street address (including apt. no.)

 

 

 

 

For Privacy Act and

 

 

 

 

 

Paperwork Reduction

 

 

 

 

 

Act Notice, see the

City or town, state or province, country, and ZIP or foreign postal code

 

 

 

 

 

 

2021 General

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Instructions for

Account number (see instructions)

 

2 Check if box 1 does not include loan origination fees

Certain Information

 

 

and/or capitalized interest, and the loan was made

Returns.

 

 

before September 1, 2004

 

Form 1098-E

Cat. No. 25088U

www.irs.gov/Form1098E

Department of the Treasury - Internal Revenue Service

Do Not Cut or Separate Forms on This Page — Do Not Cut or Separate Forms on This Page

CORRECTED (if checked)

RECIPIENT’S/LENDER’S name, street address, city or town, state or

 

OMB No. 1545-1576

 

 

province, country, ZIP or foreign postal code, and telephone number

 

 

 

Student

 

 

 

 

2021

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loan Interest

 

 

 

 

 

 

Statement

 

 

 

 

Form 1098-E

 

 

RECIPIENT’S TIN

 

BORROWER’S TIN

1 Student loan interest received by lender

Copy B

 

 

 

$

 

 

For Borrower

BORROWER’S name

 

 

 

 

 

This is important tax

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

information and is being

 

 

 

 

 

 

furnished to the IRS. If

 

 

 

 

 

 

you are required to file a

Street address (including apt. no.)

 

 

 

 

 

return, a negligence

 

 

 

 

 

penalty or other

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

sanction may be

City or town, state or province, country, and ZIP or foreign postal code

 

 

 

imposed on you if the

 

 

 

IRS determines that an

 

 

 

 

 

 

underpayment of tax

 

 

 

 

 

 

results because you

Account number (see instructions)

 

 

2 If checked, box 1 does not include loan origination

overstated a deduction

 

 

 

fees and/or capitalized interest for loans made before

for student loan interest.

 

 

 

September 1, 2004

 

Form 1098-E

(keep for your records)

www.irs.gov/Form1098E

Department of the Treasury - Internal Revenue Service

Instructions for Borrower

A person (including a financial institution, a governmental unit, and an educational institution) that receives interest payments of $600 or more during the year on one or more qualified student loans must furnish this statement to you.

You may be able to deduct student loan interest that you actually paid in 2021 on your income tax return. However, you may not be able to deduct the full amount of interest reported on this statement. Do not contact the recipient/lender for explanations of the requirements for (and how to figure) any allowable deduction for the interest paid. Instead, for more information, see Pub. 970, and the Student Loan Interest Deduction Worksheet in the Instructions for Forms 1040 and 1040-SR.

Borrower’s taxpayer identification number (TIN). For your protection, this form may show only the last four digits of your TIN (social security number (SSN), individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN), adoption taxpayer identification number (ATIN), or employer identification number (EIN)). However, the issuer has reported your complete TIN to the IRS.

Account number. May show an account or other unique number the lender assigned to distinguish your account.

Box 1. Shows the interest received by the lender during the year on one or more student loans made to you. For loans made on or after September 1, 2004, box 1 must include loan origination fees and capitalized interest received in 2021. If your loan was made before September 1, 2004, you may be able to deduct loan origination fees and capitalized interest not reported in box 1.

Box 2. If checked, indicates that loan origination fees and/or capitalized interest are not included in box 1 for loans made before September 1, 2004. See Pub. 970 for how to figure any deductible loan origination fees or capitalized interest.

Future developments. For the latest information about developments related to Form 1098-E and its instructions,

such as legislation enacted after they were published, go to www.irs.gov/Form1098E.

FreeFile. Go to www.irs.gov/FreeFile to see if you qualify for no-cost online federal tax preparation, e-filing, and direct desposit or payment options.

VOID

CORRECTED

RECIPIENT’S/LENDER’S name, street address, city or town, state or

 

OMB No. 1545-1576

 

 

province, country, ZIP or foreign postal code, and telephone number

 

 

 

Student

 

 

 

2021

 

 

 

 

 

Loan Interest

 

 

 

 

 

Statement

 

 

 

Form 1098-E

 

 

RECIPIENT’S TIN

BORROWER’S TIN

1 Student loan interest received by lender

 

 

 

$

 

 

Copy C

BORROWER’S name

 

 

 

 

For Recipient

 

 

 

 

 

For Privacy Act and

Street address (including apt. no.)

 

 

 

 

Paperwork

 

 

 

 

Reduction Act

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Notice, see the 2021

City or town, state or province, country, and ZIP or foreign postal code

 

 

 

General

 

 

 

 

 

Instructions for

 

 

 

 

 

Certain Information

Account number (see instructions)

 

2 Check if box 1 does not include loan origination fees

Returns.

 

 

and/or capitalized interest, and the loan was made

 

 

 

before September 1, 2004

 

Form 1098-E

www.irs.gov/Form1098E

 

Department of the Treasury - Internal Revenue Service

Instructions for Recipient/Lender

To complete Form 1098-E, use:

The 2021 General Instructions for Certain Information Returns, and

The 2021 Instructions for Forms 1098-E and 1098-T.

To order these instructions and additional forms, go to www.irs.gov/Form1098E.

Caution: Because paper forms are scanned during processing, you cannot file Forms 1096,1097, 1098, 1099, 3921, or 5498 that you download and print from the IRS website.

Due dates. Furnish Copy B of this form to the borrower by January 31, 2022.

File Copy A of this form with the IRS by February 28, 2022. If you file electronically, the due date is

March 31, 2022. To file electronically, you must have software that generates a file according to the specifications in Pub. 1220. The IRS does not provide a fill-in form option for Copy A.

Need help? If you have questions about reporting on Form 1098-E, call the information reporting customer service site toll free at 866-455-7438 or 304-263-8700 (not toll free).

Persons with a hearing or speech disability with access to TTY/TDD equipment can call 304-579-4827 (not toll free).

Document Specifications

Fact Name Description
Purpose The IRS 1098-E form is used to report interest paid on student loans. Borrowers receive this form to help them claim a deduction on their federal taxes.
Eligibility To receive a 1098-E form, a borrower must have paid at least $600 in interest on a qualified student loan during the tax year.
Filing Requirements Educational institutions and loan servicers are required to issue the form to borrowers and submit it to the IRS by the specified deadline.
State Regulations Some states may have their own forms for reporting student loan interest; for example, California follows the Revenue and Taxation Code §17276.2.
Tax Implications The maximum deduction allowed from student loan interest reported on the 1098-E form can be up to $2,500, subject to income limitations.

Steps to Filling Out IRS 1098-E

After obtaining your IRS 1098-E form, you will need to carefully provide accurate information. This form relates to student loan interest that you may have paid throughout the year. Completing it correctly is essential for ensuring that you can potentially claim the appropriate tax deductions.

  1. Begin by obtaining a copy of the IRS 1098-E form. This may be available from your loan servicer or can be downloaded from the IRS website.
  2. Locate the section for your personal information. Fill in your name, address, and Social Security number in the designated fields.
  3. Identify the loan servicer's information. This includes their name, address, and Tax Identification Number (TIN), which should be provided on the form.
  4. Enter the amount of interest you paid on your student loans during the tax year. Ensure that this figure accurately reflects what is stated on the form provided by your loan servicer.
  5. Review all information for accuracy. Double-check your entries to confirm that your personal details and the amount of interest paid are correct.
  6. Sign and date the form. This step is crucial as it verifies that the information you provided is true and complete.
  7. Keep a copy of the completed form for your records. If you are filing electronically, you may need to input the information directly into your tax software instead of submitting a paper form.

More About IRS 1098-E

What is the IRS 1098-E form?

The IRS 1098-E form is used to report student loan interest that you have paid during the tax year. If you paid $600 or more in interest, the lender must send you this form by January 31 each year. The reported amount can be used to help reduce your taxable income when you file your tax return.

Who needs to receive a 1098-E form?

If you have student loans and paid $600 or more in interest to a single lender throughout the year, you should receive a 1098-E from that lender. Even if you paid less than $600, you can still request a form from your lender for your records and tax preparation purposes.

How do I use the information on my 1098-E form?

You will find the amount of interest you paid listed on the form. This amount is important because it can qualify you for a student loan interest deduction, which can reduce your taxable income. You will need to report this figure on your tax return if you qualify for the deduction, thus potentially lowering your overall tax bill.

What should I do if I don’t receive my 1098-E form?

If you haven't received your 1098-E form by mid-February, contact your lender to inquire about it. They may have sent it to the wrong address or there may have been an oversight. Regardless of whether you receive the form, you are still responsible for reporting your interest payments accurately when filing your taxes.

Can I claim the student loan interest deduction even if I do not receive a 1098-E form?

Yes, you can still claim the student loan interest deduction without a 1098-E form. However, you must have records of your payments. Keep track of your loan statements or any documentation showing the interest you've paid. The IRS allows you to use reasonable estimates if necessary, but it’s always best to have accurate information.

Is there a limit to the student loan interest deduction?

Yes, there is a limit. For tax years 2023, you can deduct up to $2,500 of interest paid on qualified student loans per year. The deduction phases out for individuals with a modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) above certain thresholds—$70,000 for individuals and $140,000 for married couples filing jointly. Check the latest IRS guidelines for any updated figures or regulations.

Common mistakes

  1. Incorrect Borrower Information: Some individuals fail to provide accurate personal details, such as their name, address, or Social Security number. Mismatched information can lead to processing delays or issues during tax return filing.

  2. Missing Loan Details: It is essential to enter the correct loan servicer information. Leaving out this detail or providing incorrect information can hinder the processing of student loan interest deductions.

  3. Not Reporting All Interest Paid: Borrowers sometimes overlook reporting the total amount of interest paid for the year. Students should carefully review their statements to ensure that all eligible interest is included.

  4. Using Incorrect Tax Year: Some filers accidentally use the wrong tax year or mistakenly submit an outdated form. This can result in incorrect filings and may affect your tax liabilities.

  5. Failing to Keep Copies: It is a common oversight to not keep copies of the filled form. Retaining a copy is crucial for personal records and may assist in future tax-related inquiries or audits.

Documents used along the form

The IRS 1098-E form is primarily used for reporting student loan interest payments. While this form is important, various other documents accompany it throughout the financial and tax reporting process. Understanding these documents can provide clarity when managing student loans and filing taxes.

  • IRS 1040 Form: This is the standard individual income tax return form that taxpayers use to report their income, calculate taxes owed, and claim various deductions and credits. The 1098-E form details may be reported on this form to deduct student loan interest.
  • IRS Schedule A: This document is used for itemizing deductions on the 1040 form. Taxpayers can report student loan interest here if they choose to itemize rather than take the standard deduction.
  • IRS Form 1099-INT: This form reports interest income received during the year. It is important for borrowers to be aware of any interest they may receive on their student loans, which could offset some interest paid on personal loans.
  • IRS Form 4506-T: This form allows individuals to request a transcript of their tax return. A tax transcript may help in verifying income and understanding student loan payments for financial aid applications.
  • Loan Statement from Lender: Regular statements from the loan servicer provide current balances, payment history, and interest information. These statements are essential for maintaining accurate records related to the loans and for tax reporting.
  • IRS Form 8862: This form is used to claim the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) after it had been disallowed in a prior year. It may be relevant to borrowers who are eligible for tax credits that could impact their overall financial situation.
  • Income Verification Documents: These include pay stubs or W-2 forms that verify income levels, which can assist in determining eligibility for loan deferment or income-driven repayment plans.
  • Tax Return Documentation: Previous years' tax returns may provide essential context to the taxpayer’s financial situation, impacting the assessment of student loan interest deductions in the current tax year.
  • Financial Aid Award Letter: This letter outlines any aid received, including grants or scholarships. Understanding how financial aid interacts with loans is crucial for efficient loan management.

In conclusion, an informed understanding of these various forms and documents is vital for effectively managing student loans and ensuring appropriate tax reporting. Gathering and maintaining accurate records will contribute to optimizing financial decisions related to education financing.

Similar forms

The IRS 1098-E form is primarily related to student loan interest. Similarly, the IRS 1098 form is another important document that helps taxpayers report payments made towards mortgage interest. Both forms serve to provide tax deductions, making them valuable for individuals trying to minimize their taxable income. While the 1098-E focuses on educational financing, the 1098 highlights home ownership and the costs associated with maintaining it, underlining the commitment to encouraging education and home investment through tax benefits.

Another related document is the W-2 form. Issued by employers, the W-2 provides employees with a summary of their annual earnings and the taxes withheld. Like the 1098-E, this form plays a crucial role in the tax preparation process. It informs the IRS of an individual's income and helps ensure that the correct amount of taxes is paid, showcasing the importance of accurate financial documentation in the realm of income reporting.

The 1099 form shares similarities with the 1098-E as well. Used to report various income types outside of traditional employment, such as freelance work and investment earnings, the 1099 informs the IRS of income that taxpayers might not recognize. Both forms relate to capital and the tax benefits associated with specific expenses, making effective tracking essential for financial responsibility.

The Schedule A form, used for itemizing deductions, complements the 1098-E in the context of student loan interest. While the 1098-E reports the amount of interest paid, the Schedule A allows taxpayers to input this amount for potential deductions on their federal tax return. Together, they create a streamlined process for taxpayers aiming to take advantage of available educational deductions.

Financial Aid Statement is another important document akin to the 1098-E. It summarizes the assistance a student receives, including scholarships, grants, or loans. Similar to the 1098-E, this document outlines educational financing; however, it also provides insight into the overall funding mix. This comprehensive view helps students and families assess their financial choices and plan for future investments in education.

The 1095-A form, which provides information about health insurance coverage under the Affordable Care Act, shares a financial nature with the 1098-E. This form informs taxpayers about their health insurance earnings and potential premium tax credits, revealing how the government incentivizes certain expenditures. While the 1098-E focuses on educational loans, both documents emphasize the significance of information for tax-related decisions.

Lastly, the FAFSA, or Free Application for Federal Student Aid, is essential for students seeking financial assistance for college. Although not a tax form, it assesses financial needs and may influence eligibility for loans reported on the 1098-E. Understanding the connections between these documents emphasizes the intricate relationship between education funding and tax implications, guiding students and families in their financial planning.

Dos and Don'ts

Filling out the IRS 1098-E form can feel overwhelming, but taking the right steps can simplify the process. Below are ten important dos and don'ts that can help you complete the form accurately.

  • Do ensure you have the correct form.
  • Do check that your personal information is accurate.
  • Do verify that the amount listed for student loan interest is correct.
  • Do keep a copy of the form for your records.
  • Do file the form with your tax return on time.
  • Don't ignore the instructions provided with the form.
  • Don't forget to include your Social Security Number (SSN) or Employer Identification Number (EIN).
  • Don't leave any required fields blank.
  • Don't make assumptions about your eligibility for deductions without consulting tax guidelines.
  • Don't submit the form without reviewing it for errors.

Misconceptions

The IRS 1098-E form is essential for anyone with student loans. However, several misconceptions surround it. Here are eight common misunderstandings, clarified.

  1. Only federal student loans qualify for the 1098-E. Private student loans can also qualify. If you paid interest on a private loan, that amount may be reported on this form.
  2. You must receive a physical form in the mail. Many lenders provide the 1098-E electronically. If you have opted for digital communication, check your email or lender's portal.
  3. The 1098-E is only for recent graduates. Anyone still paying off student loans, regardless of when they graduated, can use this form if they paid interest.
  4. All interest is deductible. There are limits on the deduction. Depending on your income, you may not qualify for the full amount.
  5. You cannot claim a deduction if you don’t itemize your deductions. The student loan interest deduction is an "above-the-line" deduction. You can still claim it even if you take the standard deduction.
  6. The amount on the 1098-E is the total amount you can claim. The form reports interest, but be sure to verify it against your records to ensure accuracy.
  7. You need the 1098-E to report interest on your taxes. While it simplifies the process, you can still report your interest payments without it if you keep detailed records.
  8. All students can claim the deduction. Eligibility depends on income and filing status. Review the IRS guidelines to see if you qualify based on your personal situation.

Understanding these misconceptions can help you navigate your tax filings more effectively. Be sure to consult the IRS guidelines for the most accurate information regarding the 1098-E form.

Key takeaways

The IRS 1098-E form is an important document for borrowers with student loans. Here are key takeaways to keep in mind when filling it out and using it:

  • Purpose of the form: The 1098-E is used to report the amount of interest paid on student loans during the calendar year.
  • Who receives it: Lenders must send this form to borrowers who paid at least $600 in interest to them during the tax year.
  • Tax benefits: The interest reported can potentially be deducted from your taxable income, which may lower your tax bill.
  • Filling out the form: Ensure that all personal information, including your name and Social Security Number, is accurate to avoid delays or issues.
  • Multiple loans: If you have more than one student loan, you may receive multiple 1098-E forms, one for each lender or loan servicer.
  • Where to report: The information from the 1098-E should be reported on Schedule 1 of your federal income tax return.
  • Keeping records: Retain the 1098-E for your records, even after filing your taxes, in case of future inquiries or audits.
  • Check for errors: Review the form carefully. If any discrepancies exist, contact your lender to rectify them before filing your taxes.