When Does Sallie Mae Send 1098-E Forms for Student Loan Interest?
Learn when to expect your Sallie Mae 1098-E form, how to access it, and what to do if there are errors or missing details for accurate tax reporting.
Student loan interest can be tax-deductible, lowering taxable income. To claim this deduction, borrowers need IRS Form 1098-E, which reports interest paid on eligible student loans during the year.
Sallie Mae, like other loan servicers, provides this form annually to qualifying borrowers. Knowing when it becomes available and how to access it ensures you don’t miss potential tax savings.
Who Receives This Form
Borrowers who paid at least $600 in student loan interest to Sallie Mae during the tax year receive a 1098-E form. If total interest payments were below this threshold, Sallie Mae is not required to issue the form, but borrowers may still be eligible to deduct the interest paid by reviewing loan statements.
The form is sent to the primary borrower, not cosigners. Even if a cosigner made payments, the IRS considers the primary borrower responsible for the debt, meaning only they can typically claim the deduction. If a cosigner contributed significantly, they may need to coordinate with the borrower, as the IRS does not allow both to claim the same interest payments.
Borrowers with multiple loans serviced by Sallie Mae may receive multiple 1098-E forms if total interest paid across all loans exceeds $600. Each form reflects interest paid on a specific loan or group of loans, so reviewing all documents ensures accurate tax reporting.
When It Typically Becomes Available
Sallie Mae generally provides Form 1098-E in January, in line with IRS deadlines. Loan servicers must issue this form by January 31. While some borrowers receive a paper copy by mail, most must access it electronically through their online account.
Electronic versions are often available earlier, sometimes by mid-January, while mailed copies take longer. Borrowers who opted for paperless delivery should monitor their Sallie Mae account and email notifications.
Those who recently paid off loans or had account changes may experience slight delays. If Sallie Mae needs to verify or update details, form issuance could be delayed. Keeping contact information current and checking account statements regularly can help prevent issues.
How to Retrieve It from Sallie Mae
To access Form 1098-E, log into your Sallie Mae account and navigate to the “Tax Forms” or “Statements” section. Since Sallie Mae primarily issues these forms electronically, borrowers who haven’t opted for paper delivery must download it directly. Ensuring login credentials are current before tax season can prevent delays.
If retrieving the form for the first time, using the website’s search function or FAQ section can help locate it faster. Sallie Mae often provides a direct link to tax documents on the account dashboard. Those who selected paper delivery should verify their mailing address, as incorrect information could result in non-receipt.
For borrowers with multiple loans, each loan group may generate a separate form. If loans were consolidated or refinanced, only interest paid while the loan was serviced by Sallie Mae will appear. Payments made after transferring to a new servicer will require a separate 1098-E from that institution.
Steps to Correct Errors or Missing Information
If the 1098-E contains incorrect information or is missing despite meeting the reporting threshold, addressing the issue promptly can prevent tax filing complications. Start by comparing the reported interest with personal records, such as monthly statements or year-end summaries. Discrepancies can occur if payments were misapplied, adjustments were made late in the year, or certain transactions were not properly recorded.
Contact Sallie Mae’s customer service if errors are found. Having supporting documentation—such as bank statements or prior billing statements—can help expedite corrections. Loan servicers must provide accurate tax documentation under IRS regulations, so they are required to investigate and correct mistakes when presented with valid evidence. If adjustments are needed, Sallie Mae may issue a corrected 1098-E, marked as “Corrected” at the top, which should be used in place of the original form when filing.
If the form was not issued despite eligibility, verify whether payments were applied toward interest rather than principal. The IRS allows deductions only for interest paid, meaning payments directed solely at reducing the loan balance do not qualify. If an error in classification occurred, requesting an account review from Sallie Mae may clarify whether the interest threshold was met.