CARES Act Offers Tax-Preferred Student Loan Repayment Assistance Option, Apr. 16, 2020

The CARES Act includes a provision that gives employers a way to offer tax-preferred student loan repayment assistance to employees. The Act changes the definition of "educational assistance" in IRC Section 127 to also include employer payments to employees of student loan principal or interest. The payments must currently be made before January 1, 2021. The maximum benefit permitted is a $5,250 payment in 2020 (tax-free). For more information on the requirements for establishing a tax-preferred education assistance program, visit Tax Facts Online.