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Bill

Bill

S 1962

An Act excluding student loan forgiveness from taxable income for permanently and totally disabled veterans

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Bill Driscoll

Massachusetts would exempt student loan forgiveness from state taxes for permanently and totally disabled veterans, preventing tax liability from federal debt cancellation programs.

Reporting date extended to Thursday June 25, 2026
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Bill Summary · S 1962

Legislative bill overview

S 1962 would exclude student loan forgiveness from taxable income specifically for permanently and totally disabled veterans in Massachusetts. This targets federal loan forgiveness programs that typically treat canceled debt as taxable income, which can result in substantial tax bills for borrowers who receive forgiveness.

Why is this important

Permanently and totally disabled veterans often face significant financial hardship, and unexpected tax liability from loan forgiveness can undermine the intended relief of federal forgiveness programs. This bill attempts to prevent a situation where disabled veterans receive forgiveness only to face a large state tax bill, effectively reducing the net benefit of federal assistance.

Potential points of contention

  • State revenue impact: Excluding this income from taxation reduces state revenue; the fiscal impact on Massachusetts budgets depends on how many disabled veterans receive forgiveness and the average debt amounts involved
  • Scope and fairness questions: The bill targets only disabled veterans—some may argue other borrowers facing hardship from forgiveness-related taxes deserve similar relief, or conversely, that special carve-outs create complexity
  • Interaction with federal policy: The bill relies on federal loan forgiveness programs that remain politically contentious and may change, potentially affecting the bill's relevance and effectiveness

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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