Running a business in the Bronx isn’t just about keeping the lights on and meeting deadlines—it’s also about attracting and keeping great employees. And in 2025, there’s a unique benefit that can help you do exactly that: using Bronx employer student loans assistance programs to pay up to $5,250 per employee, tax-free, through the end of 2025.
In this post, we’ll break down how the program works, why it’s a win-win for businesses and employees, and how local Bronx employers can take advantage before time runs out.
If you’ve ever tried to hire in the Bronx lately, you know the competition is real. Job seekers are looking for more than just a paycheck—they want benefits that make a difference in their everyday lives. And nothing is more stressful for many workers than student loan debt.
According to the Federal Reserve, Americans owe more than $1.6 trillion in student loans. That’s a huge burden, and in a high-cost area like the Bronx, monthly payments can eat up a big chunk of an employee’s paycheck.
Offering a Bronx employer student loans benefit sends a clear message: We care about your financial future. It can help you:
This tax break comes from Section 127 of the Internal Revenue Code, which allows employers to provide up to $5,250 annually in educational assistance benefits without the employee paying income tax on it. Traditionally, this covered tuition, books, and job training — but since the CARES Act of 2020, student loan repayment assistance has been added to the list.
That means until December 31, 2025, you can help employees pay off student loans and deduct the amount as a business expense, all while they receive it tax-free. Both sides save money — no payroll taxes for you, no income tax for them.
The rules are straightforward, but it’s important to follow them carefully so the payments qualify as tax-free under the law.
The IRS requires a formal plan, not just a verbal promise. This document explains who’s eligible, how the benefit works, and how payments will be made.
You must make the program available to all eligible employees, not just highly compensated staff.
You can either pay the lender directly or reimburse employees after they’ve made a payment.
The maximum tax-free amount is $5,250 per employee, per year. Anything above that is taxable income.
The same $5,250 can’t be used for both tuition assistance and student loan repayment in the same year—it’s one or the other.
Following these steps keeps the benefit compliant and ensures you and your employees get the full tax advantage. Bronx employers can rely on experienced Bronx tax services to help set up and manage these programs correctly, making it easier to offer student loan benefits that meet IRS requirements.
Providing Bronx employers with student loan assistance can be a valuable benefit, but it requires clear communication and careful compliance.
Employers should educate employees on how the tax-free $5,250 benefit works, who qualifies, and how to access it. Clear, simple explanations, whether through meetings or written materials, help ensure that everyone understands their options.
It’s also crucial to avoid common mistakes like not having a formal written plan, limiting the benefit to only select employees, or failing to maintain accurate payment records. These errors can jeopardize the program’s tax-free status and lead to IRS penalties.
Partnering with tax professionals can help Bronx businesses establish a compliant educational assistance plan, properly inform staff, and maintain required documentation, so both employer and employee can fully benefit from this program.
The Bronx employer student loans program is only authorized through the end of 2025 unless Congress extends it again. Waiting too long could mean missing out on years of potential savings for you and your team.
Beyond the deadline, there’s a strategic advantage to starting now:
Implementing a compliant student loan repayment benefit involves more than just deciding to give money. You need a clear, written educational assistance plan that meets IRS standards, along with proper record-keeping and tax reporting.
At SCL Tax Services in the Bronx, we specialize in helping businesses like yours set up and manage these programs smoothly. We guide you through the process of drafting your plan, explain eligibility requirements, and ensure your payments are reported correctly to maximize your tax advantages.
Beyond just student loan repayment, our team offers full tax preparation, business tax planning, and bookkeeping services, allowing us to integrate your benefit program seamlessly with your overall financial strategy. When you work with SCL Tax Services, you get a trusted partner dedicated to helping you make the most of your resources while keeping everything IRS-compliant.
Any eligible employee under your written educational assistance program—both full-time and part-time, depending on your plan—can receive the benefit.
Possibly, but there are restrictions, especially for owners with significant stakes in the business. Talk to a tax professional first.
Yes, Section 127 covers both types.
Not unless Congress extends it again. As of now, it ends December 31, 2025.
We are here to relieve you of the tax pressure by offering a wide range of Tax Services In & Near Bronx, NY. If you need expert advice or need us to complete your taxes, we will provide it for you. We know you work hard, so we work hard to serve your needs.
Your time is valuable, which is why we are here for you.