Ohio · Student Loan Interest Deduction
Student Loan Interest Deduction in Ohio (2026)
Deduct up to $2,500 of student loan interest regardless of whether you itemize. Ohio has a flat 2.75% income tax, so a Ohio filer's combined marginal rate on the next dollar at $62,262 of income is about 14.75% (12% federal + 2.75% OH).
2026 savings example for Ohio
Planning estimate for a single filer earning $62,262 (Ohio 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; OH tax uses the state brackets in LevyIO's dataset and assumes the state follows the federal treatment.
Estimated total savings
$369
Federal savings
$300
$5,291 → $4,991 · 12% bracket
OH state savings
$69
$996 → $927 · 2.75% marginal
Combined marginal rate
14.75%
≈ $148 saved per $1,000 deducted
Statutory maximum for this item in LevyIO's dataset: $2,500.
Federal × Ohio marginal rates (2026, single)
Gross-income ranges include the federal standard deduction. The OH 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) | OH marginal | Combined | Per $1,000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10% | $16,100 - $28,500 | 0% | 10% | $100 |
| 12% | $28,500 - $66,500 | 2.75% | 14.75% | $148 |
| 22% | $66,500 - $121,800 | 2.75% | 24.75% | $248 |
| 24% | $121,800 - $217,875 | 2.75% | 26.75% | $268 |
| 32% | $217,875 - $272,325 | 2.75% | 34.75% | $348 |
| 35% | $272,325 - $656,700 | 2.75% | 37.75% | $378 |
| 37% | Over $656,700 | 2.75% | 39.75% | $398 |
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
Ohio filing notes
The $26,050 zero-bracket benefits low earners. Check your city's income tax rate. Social Security is exempt. Consider municipal tax when choosing where to live.
Common mistakes: Exceeding income limits; Not checking all loan types.
Frequently asked questions
How much can the Student Loan Interest Deduction save a Ohio taxpayer in 2026?
In LevyIO's example, a single filer with $62,262 of income (the Ohio median household income in our state dataset) who removes $2,500 from taxable income saves about $300 in 2026 federal tax (12% marginal bracket) plus about $69 in Ohio tax (2.75% state marginal rate), roughly $369 combined. It is a planning estimate computed from the 2026 IRS brackets and LevyIO's OH bracket data, not a survey figure.
What is the Ohio income tax rate for 2026?
Ohio has a flat 2.75% income tax. The OH standard deduction in LevyIO's dataset is $0 single / $0 married. First $26,050 tax-free. Then a flat 2.75%. Many cities levy 2-3% income tax.
Who qualifies for the Student Loan Interest Deduction in Ohio?
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. Ohio filers should confirm on the OH 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. Ohio: check the Ohio Department of Taxation 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.