Student Loan Interest Deduction Question

[simonsez]

This is pretty stupid/simple but I haven't been able to find the answer online (and the IRS phone system is TERRIBLE) and Pub 970 didn't have any applicable examples so I am not sure.

For spouses filing jointly, can they combine their 1098-E forms to maximize the $2500 deduction?  Or can you only use one spouse's loans?

Example: If I paid $1500 in student loan interest and my wife paid $750 - can we (ignoring income limits/phaseout as we will be under $130k combined MAGI) report $2250 for the deduction?  Or would it only be $1500?

In the past, I didn't have to consider this as my loans had >$2500 in interest already.  But crushing student loan debt has its "problems."

[seattlecyclone]

Yes, you can combine the amounts. The Form 1040 instructions state that loans paying for your education and your spouse's education count as "qualified" loans, and the ensuing worksheet asks you to enter the total amount of interest you paid on qualifying loans (not to exceed $2,500). Nowhere does it say that you have to pick one qualifying person's loans and ignore the rest.

[simonsez]

Excellent, thanks SC!