Rhode Island · Student Loan Forgiveness Tax Exclusion
Student Loan Forgiveness Tax Exclusion in Rhode Island (2026)
Student loan forgiveness discharged through 2025 is excluded from taxable income under the American Rescue Plan Act provision. Rhode Island has a progressive income tax with a top rate of 5.99%, so a Rhode Island filer's combined marginal rate on the next dollar at $74,008 of income is about 25.75% (22% federal + 3.75% RI).
2026 savings example for Rhode Island
Planning estimate for a single filer earning $74,008 (Rhode Island median household income in LevyIO's state dataset) who removes $5,000 from taxable income. Federal tax uses the 2026 IRS brackets after the $16,100 standard deduction; RI tax uses the state brackets in LevyIO's dataset and assumes the state follows the federal treatment.
Estimated total savings
$1,288
Federal savings
$1,100
$7,452 → $6,352 · 22% bracket
RI state savings
$188
$2,355 → $2,168 · 3.75% marginal
Combined marginal rate
25.75%
≈ $258 saved per $1,000 deducted
Federal × Rhode Island marginal rates (2026, single)
Gross-income ranges include the federal standard deduction. The RI column is the state marginal rate at the midpoint of each range. The last column is the tax saved per $1,000 deducted at that combined rate.
| Federal bracket | Gross income (single) | RI marginal | Combined | Per $1,000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10% | $16,100 - $28,500 | 3.75% | 13.75% | $138 |
| 12% | $28,500 - $66,500 | 3.75% | 15.75% | $158 |
| 22% | $66,500 - $121,800 | 4.75% | 26.75% | $268 |
| 24% | $121,800 - $217,875 | 4.75% | 28.75% | $288 |
| 32% | $217,875 - $272,325 | 5.99% | 37.99% | $380 |
| 35% | $272,325 - $656,700 | 5.99% | 40.99% | $410 |
| 37% | Over $656,700 | 5.99% | 42.99% | $430 |
Eligibility & forms
Borrowers with student loans forgiven through 2025
- Loan forgiveness through 12/31/2025 is tax-free
- Applies to federal and private student loan forgiveness
- Includes income-driven repayment plan forgiveness
Federal forms: Form 1099-C, Form 1040
Rhode Island filing notes
Rhode Island starts from federal income concepts with state modifications, standard deduction and exemption rules, and phaseouts. Verify the current RI-1040 or RI-1040NR instructions before filing.
Common mistakes: Not knowing forgiveness may be taxable after 2025; Confusing PSLF (always tax-free) with other programs; Not planning for potential state tax on forgiveness.
Frequently asked questions
How much can the Student Loan Forgiveness Tax Exclusion save a Rhode Island taxpayer in 2026?
In LevyIO's example, a single filer with $74,008 of income (the Rhode Island median household income in our state dataset) who removes $5,000 from taxable income saves about $1,100 in 2026 federal tax (22% marginal bracket) plus about $188 in Rhode Island tax (3.75% state marginal rate), roughly $1,288 combined. It is a planning estimate computed from the 2026 IRS brackets and LevyIO's RI bracket data, not a survey figure.
What is the Rhode Island income tax rate for 2026?
Rhode Island has a progressive income tax with a top rate of 5.99%. The RI standard deduction in LevyIO's dataset is $11,200 single / $22,400 married. 2026 brackets: 3.75% to $82,050, 4.75% to $186,450, 5.99% above $186,450. Estate tax and high property-tax context matter.
Who qualifies for the Student Loan Forgiveness Tax Exclusion in Rhode Island?
Borrowers with student loans forgiven through 2025. The federal rules are the same in every state; the requirements are: Loan forgiveness through 12/31/2025 is tax-free; Applies to federal and private student loan forgiveness; Includes income-driven repayment plan forgiveness. Rhode Island filers should confirm on the RI return whether the state follows the federal treatment.
Which forms do I file to claim the Student Loan Forgiveness Tax Exclusion?
Federal: Form 1099-C, Form 1040. Rhode Island: check the Rhode Island Division of Taxation instructions for the matching state schedule. Common mistakes: Not knowing forgiveness may be taxable after 2025; Confusing PSLF (always tax-free) with other programs; Not planning for potential state tax on forgiveness.
Student Loan Forgiveness Tax Exclusion in other states
- Full Student Loan Forgiveness Tax Exclusion guide (all states)
- Student Loan Forgiveness Tax Exclusion in Massachusetts
- Student Loan Forgiveness Tax Exclusion in Alabama
- Student Loan Forgiveness Tax Exclusion in California
- Student Loan Forgiveness Tax Exclusion in Delaware
- Student Loan Forgiveness Tax Exclusion in Illinois
Sources
Reviewed 2026-09-17. Estimates are educational planning figures computed from the IRS 2026 inflation adjustments and LevyIO's state bracket dataset; they are not tax advice.