Introduction – Income-Driven Repayment (IDR)
The recently announced Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) income-driven repayment (IDR) program has been promoted as the most generous student loan plan ever. It offers flexibility for married borrowers when it comes to taxes and spousal signatures. But deciding whether to file jointly or separately under SAVE involves weighing tax breaks versus potential savings on loan payments.
SAVE Plan Rules for Married Filers
The new SAVE plan for federal student loans caps monthly payments between 5-10% of discretionary income based on loan type. It prevents interest ballooning, offers loan forgiveness after 10-25 years of payments, and includes provisions specifically impacting married borrowers:
- Spouses filing taxes separately can exclude their partner’s income when calculating individual monthly SAVE payments.
- Spouses no longer need to co-sign IDR applications regardless of filing status.
These rules provide options but also create dilemmas for married borrowers deciding how to file taxes.
Joint vs. Separate Filing: What’s Better for SAVE?
Filing taxes separately under SAVE means your spouse’s income and debts are excluded when determining your personalized payment amount. This could lower monthly bills compared to joint filing where payments are based on combined incomes.
But filing separately also prevents claiming tax breaks available only to joint filers. So there are pros and cons to both options that married borrowers need to evaluate.
Potential Payment Savings When Filing Separately
Since SAVE payments range from 5-10% of discretionary income, filing separately can lower monthly dues if your spouse earns a much higher income. This is different from the previous REPAYE plan which based payments on joint income regardless of filing status.
The Department of Education’s online PAYE Estimator Tool can help compare estimated payments under different filing statuses. Filing separately may provide monthly savings depending on precise circumstances.
Loss of Tax Breaks When Filing Separately
However, filing taxes separately could also make you ineligible for certain tax benefits only available to joint filers. These include:
- Student Loan Interest Deduction: Reduces taxable income by up to $2,500 for student loan interest paid.
- American Opportunity Tax Credit: Provides a tax credit of up to $2,500 per eligible student for the first 4 years.
- Lifetime Learning Credit: Up to $2,000 in annual tax credits for college tuition and vocational schools.
- Child and Dependent Care Credit: Potentially worth up to $4,000 for childcare costs while working or studying.
The loss of these credits and deductions can significantly impact total household tax liability and refund amount.
Other Drawbacks of Filing Separately
Besides losing tax benefits, other drawbacks of filing separately include:
- Smaller household size for IDR calculation if the spouse is excluded
- Potentially higher total tax payment than jointly filing
- Complexity managing joint finances and assets
- Perception of marital troubles due to unconventional filing status
Complex Tax Scenarios Require Analysis
The trade-offs between potential monthly payment reductions and losing tax breaks make deciding on joint vs. separate filing complex.
Every family’s precise financial situation differs based on income, assets, debts, dependents, etc. Consultation with a tax professional is highly recommended to crunch the numbers for your case and determine the optimal approach.
Tax software like TurboTax can also help compare scenarios of joint vs. separate filing. However, the final decision should align with your household’s unique tax profile.
Spousal Signatures No Longer Needed for IDR Plans
Separately from the joint filing dilemma, the SAVE rollout also removed the requirement for spousal signatures on IDR applications regardless of tax filing status.
Past Rules Required Spouse Co-Signing
Previously, married borrowers had to obtain a spouse’s signature on IDR applications to confirm the accuracy of provided information like income and family size.
However, the signature did not make the spouse accountable for actually repaying the student loans. It simply verified application details.
Removing Spousal Co-Signing Requirement
Eliminating the co-signing requirement simplifies applying for IDR programs for married borrowers. Now only the borrower needs to submit the required information without the spouse needing to co-sign.
This change provides flexibility and makes it easier for married borrowers to enroll in IDR plans. Managing student debt can remain exclusively the borrowing spouse’s responsibility without obligating the partner.
Exception for Joint ICR Repayment
The only exception is married borrowers repaying through an Income-Contingent Repayment (ICR) plan on a joint basis. In those cases, both spouses must sign ICR applications.
But for all other IDR plans like PAYE, REPAYE, IBR, and the new SAVE – spousal co-signing has been removed.
Compare All IDR Plan Options
Besides the new SAVE program, borrowers can also opt for three other existing IDR plans – PAYE, REPAYE, and IBR. Each plan has different terms for payment caps, loan forgiveness, eligibility, etc.
For example, REPAYE may charge higher payments compared to SAVE but offers forgiveness sooner after 20 years.
Do your research to determine which IDR plan aligns best with your financial goals and job prospects. The PAYE calculator can help compare plans.
The Bottom Line – Income-Driven Repayment (IDR)
Married student loan borrowers now have additional options under the new SAVE plan to potentially lower payments or simplify enrollment.
However, determining optimal filing status requires weighing tax breaks against possible payment savings from filing separately. Consult experts like financial advisors to crunch the numbers.
While providing flexibility, SAVE also adds a layer of tax-related complexity for married borrowers with student loans. Make sure to analyze your scenario carefully before picking the best approach.