The standard deduction for a dependent, such as a full-time student-athlete under the age of 24, is calculated based on their earned income. This includes salaries, wages, tips, and other compensation for work performed, as well as any taxable portion of scholarships or fellowship grants.
Dependent: A student who does not provide over half of their own support is claimed as a dependent by their parents. The standard deduction for such a dependent is the greater of $1,350 or their earned income plus $450, but it cannot exceed the regular standard deduction for a single filer, which is adjusted annually for inflation. If the student's unearned income (such as interest and dividends) is more than $1,350 but less than $13,500, their parents have the option to claim this unearned income on their tax return.
Non-Dependent: A non-dependent is a self-supporting student who pays more than half of their own support and does not qualify as a dependent. This student is eligible for the regular standard deduction, which is adjusted annually for inflation, and is $15,000 for 2025 if the student is not married or $30,000 if married a filing a joint return with their spouse.
The American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC) is a tax credit available to help offset the costs of higher education by reducing the amount of income tax the taxpayer may have to pay. For 2025, a credit of up to $2,500 for adjusted qualified education expenses paid for each student who qualifies for the credit may be claimed.
The credit is partially refundable: if the credit reduces the tax to zero, 40% of any remaining amount of the credit (up to $1,000) is refundable.
To claim the AOTC, the student must be pursuing a degree or other recognized education credential, be enrolled at least half-time for at least one academic period beginning in the tax year and not have completed the first four years of higher education at the beginning of the tax year. Additionally, the credit can be claimed for a maximum of four tax years per eligible student.
The person who claims the student as a dependent on their tax return is generally the one who can claim the AOTC for that student. Most often this will be the parent(s) of the student. However, if the student is not claimed as a dependent, they can claim the credit on their own tax return.
There is another type of higher education credit called the Lifetime Learning Credit (LLC). Since students in their first four years of college will virtually all qualify for the larger AOTC, this article does not discuss the LLC.
When calculating education tax credits, qualified tuition must be reduced by any tax-free scholarship amounts. However, if the scholarship terms allow, students can allocate funds to maximize tax benefits by choosing how to apply the scholarship to different expenses.
The student loan interest deduction allows borrowers to deduct up to $2,500 of interest paid on qualified student loans from their taxable income each year. This deduction is considered an above-the-line deduction, meaning it can be claimed regardless of whether the taxpayer itemizes deductions or takes the standard deduction.
Qualified Student Loans: The loan must be used solely for qualified higher-education expenses, which include tuition, fees, room and board, books, equipment, and other necessary expenses related to attending an eligible educational institution.
Eligible loans can include federal student loans, private loans, home equity lines of credit, personal loans from unrelated parties, and even credit cards, provided they are used exclusively for education expenses.
Loans from relatives or pension plans do not qualify.
Eligibility for Deduction: The borrower must be legally responsible for the loan and must have used the loan for qualified education expenses.
The deduction is phased out for higher-income taxpayers. For single filers, the phase-out range for 2025 is an Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) of $85,000 to $100,000. For married couples filing jointly, the range is $170,000 to $200,000.
The deduction is not available for those who file as married filing separately or for an individual who is claimed as dependents on another taxpayer's return.
Additional Requirements:
The student must be enrolled at least half-time in a degree or certificate program at an eligible educational institution.
The loan must be used within a reasonable time frame, typically defined as within 180 days of the start of the academic period for which the expenses are incurred.
State tax laws can vary significantly, impacting student-athletes differently depending on where they attend school and where they earn income:
State Income Taxes: Some states have no income tax, while others have high rates. Athletes must file state tax returns in states where they earn income, which may include their home state and the state where their college is located, depending on the filing threshold set by each state.
NIL-Specific Legislation: Several states have enacted NIL-specific legislation, which may include tax provisions. Athletes should be aware of these laws and how they affect their tax obligations.
Effective tax planning and compliance are essential for student-athletes to avoid penalties and maximize their financial benefits:
Record Keeping: Maintaining detailed records of all income, expenses, and scholarships is crucial for accurate tax reporting.
Professional Advice: Consulting with a tax professional who understands the unique circumstances of student-athletes can help navigate complex tax issues.
Education and Resources: Universities and athletic departments can provide resources and education to help athletes understand their tax responsibilities.
The financial landscape for student-athletes is evolving rapidly, with NIL income opportunities adding new dimensions to their tax obligations.
Understanding how the various tax implications of education benefits impact students and parents can lead to more beneficial use of the various tax benefits. Contact this office for assistance.
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Have Questions? Call our Naperville office at (630) 848-9340 and let us show you how our expertise can save you in the long run.
Have Questions? Call our Naperville office at (630) 848-9340 and let us show you how our expertise can save you in the long run.