QUESTION:
As an employee-retention move, is there any tax-advantaged way I can help my employees with their student debt?
ANSWER:
Consider implementing a qualified education assistance program to pay part of employees’ student loans. Now, through 2025, you can pay up to $5,250 a year per employee to help them make student loan payments and receive a tax deduction for your payments. This amount is excluded from employees’ income. Plus, under a new law in 2024, you can offer matching 401(k) contributions to employees based on their repayment of student loans. Participation is voluntary, and employees must opt-in.