MHEC Student Loan Debt Relief Tax Credit Program 2019 Details

Student Loan Debt Relief Tax Credit Program

The purpose of the Student Loan Debt Relief Tax Credit is to assist Maryland Tax Payers who have incurred a certain amount of undergraduate or graduate student loan debt by providing a tax credit on their Maryland State income tax return.

To be considered for the tax credit, applicants must complete the application and submit student loan information including Maryland Income Tax forms, college transcripts, and lender documents. Upon being awarded the tax credit, recipients must use the credit within two years to pay toward their college loan debt.  Documentation showing proof of loan payment(s) must be submitted to MHEC.

The tax credit application process closes each year on September 15th to allow MHEC to process the applications then issue the tax credit awards.  Notification of tax credit awards are sent to applicants in mid-December.

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Please have the following available before proceeding with the application:

-- A complete transcript from each undergraduate and/or graduate institution that you attended. Transcripts are not required to be official.

-- Documentation from your lender(s) showing the educational loans that qualify for the credit (including the name, address, and phone number of the lender(s); account number(s); original balance(s); and outstanding balance(s); and the person(s) responsible for repayment of the loan(s).

-- A copy of your Maryland income tax return for the most recent prior tax year.

The online application process is STRONGLY preferred.  Your Social Security Number and all other confidential information is electronically secure. If you are unable to apply online, you can mail a paper application with accompanying documentation to: Maryland Higher Education Commission, 6 N. Liberty Street, 10th floor, Baltimore, MD 21201

Completed applications must be submitted by the September 15th closing date (if filling out a paper application, it must be postmarked by September 15th). Information submitted to MHEC after this date will not be considered for evaluation. Incorrect or incomplete applications carry the risk of not being accepted. Fill in all fields using the proper syntax, making sure not to omit information designated as required.

Save a copy of your application for your records. If you are completing an electronic application, your online account will save and store your application and scanned images. Click the Submit button when you are finished with your application. If you are completing a hard copy application, make a photocopy of your packet for your files and mail the originals to the aforementioned address.