Arizona · Student Loan Interest Deduction
Student Loan Interest Deduction in Arizona (2026)
Deduct up to $2,500 of student loan interest regardless of whether you itemize. Arizona has a flat 2.5% income tax, so a Arizona filer's combined marginal rate on the next dollar at $72,581 of income is about 24.5% (22% federal + 2.5% AZ).
2026 savings example for Arizona
Planning estimate for a single filer earning $72,581 (Arizona median household income in LevyIO's state dataset) who removes $2,500 from taxable income. Federal tax uses the 2026 IRS brackets after the $16,100 standard deduction; AZ tax uses the state brackets in LevyIO's dataset and assumes the state follows the federal treatment.
Estimated total savings
$613
Federal savings
$550
$7,138 → $6,588 · 22% bracket
AZ state savings
$63
$1,450 → $1,387 · 2.5% marginal
Combined marginal rate
24.5%
≈ $245 saved per $1,000 deducted
Statutory maximum for this item in LevyIO's dataset: $2,500.
Federal × Arizona marginal rates (2026, single)
Gross-income ranges include the federal standard deduction. The AZ 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) | AZ marginal | Combined | Per $1,000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10% | $16,100 - $28,500 | 2.5% | 12.5% | $125 |
| 12% | $28,500 - $66,500 | 2.5% | 14.5% | $145 |
| 22% | $66,500 - $121,800 | 2.5% | 24.5% | $245 |
| 24% | $121,800 - $217,875 | 2.5% | 26.5% | $265 |
| 32% | $217,875 - $272,325 | 2.5% | 34.5% | $345 |
| 35% | $272,325 - $656,700 | 2.5% | 37.5% | $375 |
| 37% | Over $656,700 | 2.5% | 39.5% | $395 |
Eligibility & forms
Borrowers paying interest on qualified student loans
- Up to $2,500 per year
- MAGI under $90K single/$185K married
- Cannot be claimed as dependent
Federal forms: Form 1098-E, Form 1040
Arizona filing notes
Arizona's flat 2.5% rate simplifies planning. Use the 25% capital gains subtraction on investment income. Arizona offers generous tax credits for charitable contributions and school tuition organizations.
Common mistakes: Exceeding income limits; Not checking all loan types.
Frequently asked questions
How much can the Student Loan Interest Deduction save a Arizona taxpayer in 2026?
In LevyIO's example, a single filer with $72,581 of income (the Arizona median household income in our state dataset) who removes $2,500 from taxable income saves about $550 in 2026 federal tax (22% marginal bracket) plus about $63 in Arizona tax (2.5% state marginal rate), roughly $613 combined. It is a planning estimate computed from the 2026 IRS brackets and LevyIO's AZ bracket data, not a survey figure.
What is the Arizona income tax rate for 2026?
Arizona has a flat 2.5% income tax. The AZ standard deduction in LevyIO's dataset is $14,600 single / $29,200 married. Flat 2.5% rate since 2023. 25% capital gains subtraction. Generous charitable contribution credits.
Who qualifies for the Student Loan Interest Deduction in Arizona?
Borrowers paying interest on qualified student loans. The federal rules are the same in every state; the requirements are: Up to $2,500 per year; MAGI under $90K single/$185K married; Cannot be claimed as dependent. Arizona filers should confirm on the AZ return whether the state follows the federal treatment.
Which forms do I file to claim the Student Loan Interest Deduction?
Federal: Form 1098-E, Form 1040. Arizona: check the Arizona Department of Revenue instructions for the matching state schedule. Common mistakes: Exceeding income limits; Not checking all loan types.
Student Loan Interest Deduction in other states
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.