29 Dec Educational assistance programs can help pay workers’ student loans
Educational assistance programs offered by employers can now be used to pay principal and interest on an employee’s qualified education loans. Traditionally, these programs have been used to pay for books, equipment, supplies, fees, tuition, and other education expenses for the employee. Payments made directly to the lender, as well as those made to the employee, qualify.
By law, tax-free benefits under an educational assistance program are limited to $5,250 per employee per year. Normally, assistance provided above that level is taxable as wages.
Though educational assistance programs have been available for many years, the option to use them to pay student loans is available only for payments made after March 27, 2020. Under current law, this option will be available until Dec. 31, 2025.
For more information on other requirements, refer to:
Publication 15-B, Employer’s Tax Guide to Fringe Benefits
Publication 970, Tax Benefits for Education – Chapter 10, it provides details on what qualifies as a student loan.
Original content by irs.gov. This information is provided with the understanding that Payroll Partners is not rendering legal, human resources, or other professional advice or service. Professional advice on specific issues should be sought from a lawyer, HR consultant or other professional.