It always amazes me when I hear from students that they are “having their taxes done.”  It’s really not as intimidating as you might think to file on your own.   Here is what you need to know:

• The Lifetime Learning Credit will allow you to reduce your tax liability if you had expenses for tuition and fees in 2020.  You will need to complete IRS form 8863 and Schedule 3 to claim this credit.
• Student loan interest can be claimed as an adjustment to income, reducing your tax liability.  You will need to complete Schedule 1 to claim this credit.
• Student loan disbursements that you received DO NOT count as income.
• Scholarships that do not exceed tuition and fees DO NOT count as taxable income.
• If your income for 2020 is less than $72,000 you can e-file for free, with assistance from one of several well-respected tax software companies.
• If you need to locate your 1098-T from Penn State, it is available on LionPath.  Click on the “my finances” button, select “manage my account/make a payment.”  You’ll find “Tax Forms” near the bottom of the left menu.
• If you are living in Pennsylvania, you will likely also need to file state and local income taxes.

And here are a couple of things that are special for the Covid times in which we live:

• If you received unemployment compensation in 2020, the recent America Rescue Plan legislation makes up to $10,200 of that tax-free income.  You can learn more here.  If you have already filed your taxes before that legislation passed last week, you should take the time to file an amended return using Form 1040-X.  It could result in a big refund check for you!
• A special income adjustment is allowed this year for up to $300 for cash donations made to charity.  Normally this is a deduction reserved for those who itemize their deductions, but this year, to encourage this type of giving with so many organizations in need, it is deductible on top of the standard deduction.  It’s easy to find on line 10b of the 1040—and even easier if you use tax software.

Filing your income tax may feel a little intimidating.  Throughout my career I have learned that nobody comes to law school because they love math.  But filing taxes is definitely something that a law student should be able to handle on their own, without having to pay a professional (or persuade a parent).  The online/software programs available to help make it really easy.  And if you are getting a refund—that makes it all worthwhile.  And if you are NOT getting a refund, all the better.  That means that you have not been giving the federal government free use of your money all year!

There’s no need to fear.  Your “I Filed My Taxes” adulting badge is just around the corner!