Texas · Student Loan Forgiveness Tax Exclusion
Student Loan Forgiveness Tax Exclusion in Texas (2026)
Student loan forgiveness discharged through 2025 is excluded from taxable income under the American Rescue Plan Act provision. Texas has no state income tax, so a Texas filer's combined marginal rate on the next dollar at $67,321 of income is about 22% (22% federal).
2026 savings example for Texas
Planning estimate for a single filer earning $67,321 (Texas 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; TX tax uses the state brackets in LevyIO's dataset.
Estimated total savings
$682
Federal savings
$682
$5,981 → $5,299 · 22% bracket
TX state savings
$0
No state income tax
Combined marginal rate
22%
≈ $220 saved per $1,000 deducted
Federal × Texas marginal rates (2026, single)
Gross-income ranges include the federal standard deduction. The TX column is the state marginal rate at the midpoint of each range (Texas has no income tax). The last column is the tax saved per $1,000 deducted at that combined rate.
| Federal bracket | Gross income (single) | TX marginal | Combined | Per $1,000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10% | $16,100 - $28,500 | 0% | 10% | $100 |
| 12% | $28,500 - $66,500 | 0% | 12% | $120 |
| 22% | $66,500 - $121,800 | 0% | 22% | $220 |
| 24% | $121,800 - $217,875 | 0% | 24% | $240 |
| 32% | $217,875 - $272,325 | 0% | 32% | $320 |
| 35% | $272,325 - $656,700 | 0% | 35% | $350 |
| 37% | Over $656,700 | 0% | 37% | $370 |
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
Texas filing notes
No income tax saves significantly. High property taxes offset for homeowners. Texas offers residence homestead exemptions, additional age 65 or disabled exemptions, appraisal-value limits, and appraisal protest rights. Verify details with the county appraisal district.
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 Texas taxpayer in 2026?
In LevyIO's example, a single filer with $67,321 of income (the Texas median household income in our state dataset) who removes $5,000 from taxable income saves about $682 in 2026 federal tax (22% marginal bracket) and nothing at the state level because Texas does not tax wage income. It is a planning estimate computed from the 2026 IRS brackets and LevyIO's TX bracket data, not a survey figure.
What is the Texas income tax rate for 2026?
Texas has no state income tax. The TX standard deduction in LevyIO's dataset is $0 single / $0 married. No income tax (constitutionally prohibited). Second-highest property taxes (1.68%). High sales tax.
Who qualifies for the Student Loan Forgiveness Tax Exclusion in Texas?
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. Texas filers should confirm on the TX 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. Texas has no individual income tax return for wage income, so there is no state form to file for this item. 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 Oklahoma
- 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.