Tax Extensions Can Lower Your Student Loan Payments

Tax Extensions Can Lower Your Student Loan Payments

From Student Loan Planner by Travis Hornsby

March 10, 2026 · 28 min · Episode 417

About this episode

This episode discusses how timing your tax filing can impact your student loan payments, especially for those on income-driven repayment plans.

Timing your tax filing can mean serious savings on your monthly payments, especially if you're on an income-driven repayment (IDR) plan and aiming for forgiveness. We break down scenarios for when it makes sense to file right away, when to wait, and how married couples or borrowers with irregular income can play their cards for the biggest advantage. If you've ever wondered how your AGI or recertification date could influence your student loan bills, this episode gives you straightforward strategies you can use right now. Key moments: (07:48) Why when you file your tax return directly affects your IDR payment amount (10:59) Filing a tax extension is free, but if you owe taxes, you must pay by April 15 (18:13) When filing early (or on time) makes more sense than filing an extension (21:39) SAVE borrowers can lock in the ideal recertification date by switching plans between April 15 and October 15 Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on Apple Podcasts , Spotify or Amazon Music Leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts Subscribe to the newsletter Join SLP Insiders for student loan loopholes, SLP app and member community Feeling helpless when it comes to your…

Topics covered

  • tax filing
  • student loans
  • income-driven repayment
  • forgiveness
  • AGI
  • recertification

Keywords

  • tax extension
  • monthly payments
  • married couples
  • irregular income
  • strategies

More episodes of Student Loan Planner

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Student Loan Planner podcast page.