If you’re on an income-driven repayment plan for your federal student loans, getting married could affect your payments. If you file your taxes as “married filing jointly,” your income and your spouse’s income will be combined into one adjusted gross income. As a result, your bill could increase.

Do I have to include spouse income for student loan repayment?

Your spouse’s income is included in calculating monthly payments even if you file separate tax returns. However, a borrower may request that only his/her income be included if the borrower certifies that s/he is separated from his/her spouse or is unable to reasonably access the spouse’s income information.

Can you marry someone with student loan debt?

Marrying someone with student loan debt won’t make you liable for their loans. No. Student debt that you bring into a marriage remains your debt. Let’s say you have $30,000 in federal student loans and $40,000 in private student loans when you get married.

Can a person be responsible for their spouses student loans?

Marrying someone with student loan debt won’t make you liable for their loans. No. Student debt that you bring into a marriage remains your debt. Let’s say you have $30,000 in federal student loans and $40,000 in private student loans when you get married. Your spouse might help pay down your debt, but you’re the only one legally responsible.

How does marriage affect your federal student loans?

If your federal student loans are enrolled in one of four income-driven repayment plans you could end up with a higher monthly payment. For married borrowers, one of the plans, Revised Pay As You Earn, will calculate payments based on you and your spouse’s combined adjusted gross income and loan debt, no matter how you file taxes.

Can a student loan affect your spouse’s credit?

So if you have student loans, you don’t have to worry about them having a negative impact on your spouse’s credit history. These student loans won’t be listed on your spouse’s credit report. The exception to this is if you and your spouse have any shared loans or accounts, including co-signed student loans.