What are the chances of those in SAVE forbearance being forced off SAVE into another plan in the 2026 year? I ask because I plan on filing MFJ with my (high earning) wife in 2025 for the tax benefits (and likely MFS thereafter), but if I'm forced off SAVE in 2026 then I'd have to re-certify my income within 60 days using our MFJ tax return which will balloon my payments.
I spoke with Aidvantage and they said the most injunction extended SAVE until 2028 but also said that could change (don't know how accurate that is). Seems from searching around that its unlikely it will occur in 2026 but wanted to get a better pulse on here.
Chances of being forced off SAVE in 2026? For tax purposes
byu/cdmDDS inStudentLoans
Posted by cdmDDS
13 Comments
There’s no set timing yet. We are waiting on the court settlement. Assume it can happen 2026 to be safe.
No one knows for sure at this time. You can file for a tax extension to give your self a bit more time before you need to choose your tax filing status.
I am not a tax professional, but I believe it’s possible to change the status from MFS to MFJ, but not the other way around. https://support.taxslayer.com/hc/en-us/articles/360015711572-How-do-I-amend-the-filing-status-from-MFJ-to-MFS-or-MFS-to-MFJ
Personal opinion, but I think it is highly likely to happen in 2026. They could just dump everyone back onto a standard plan.
If your 2024 AGI was lower it may very well be worth applying for an IDR plan now based on that before you file your 2025 tax return.
You will get a lot of different opinions here, some may be very reasonable, but ultimately nobody knows for sure. I personally think they will start forcing people off mid-year, but I could easily be wrong.
I voluntarily switched from SAVE to IBR last fall because I was sick of this nonsense and wanted to get progress toward forgiveness, which is my only realistic way of dealing with my federal student loans.
Nothing is 100% sure but Im 99% sure that this summer everyone will be forced out
Nobody really knows for sure. What we do know is that SAVE is dead and once a judge signs recent order to officially end SAVE, you will need to pick a new plan. If I was willing to bet, you will likely be automatically placed on RAP in July.
File separate. Next year amend your return to joint if you don’t end up leaving save in 2026. Problem solved
As others have already said, nobody knows. It would make sense to do it when RAP is scheduled to become available in July ‘26, but don’t count on this administration to do things that make sense.
Nobody actually knows, but I personally think there is a greater than 50% chance of it happening in 2026.
Thank you all… seems like the sentiment is that it could very well happen if not likely happen in 2026. I think I’ll file an extension and see how it plays out through the year. Only downside is not getting our refund till later in the year but I suppose there are worse outcomes.
I make about 75% of our household income (wife and I file MFJ) but one thing to be aware of is filing MFJ may result in student loan savings, but it would be offset against 1) higher taxes, 2) double filing fees, and 3) more complicated headache in filing taxes. I am not sure it is worth it for me personally.
We are filing separate this year specifically so I can get on an affordable plan if needed. 😬
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