Student Loan Planning - Post "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" (OBBBA)
Author: Daniel Johnson
| CPE Credit: |
1 hour for CPAs
1 hour Federal Tax Related for EAs and OTRPs
1 hour Federal Tax Law for CTEC |
This course provides financial professionals, educators, and borrowers with a clear understanding of how the 2025 Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) reforms reshape student loan borrowing, repayment, and forgiveness strategies. Participants will learn to assess borrowing limits, repayment plan options, and tax implications to optimize education financing and long-term debt management.
Don’t miss this opportunity to stay ahead of sweeping federal changes and position yourself as a trusted advisor in student loan planning.
Per the IRS Education Provider Standards this course must be COMPLETED by 12/31/2028 to receive credits. NOTE: Go to My Professional Profile in your CCH CPELink account settings to ensure your name, and PTIN number; matches your PTIN card
Publication Date: January 2026
Topics Covered
- Overview of OBBBA student loan reforms (effective dates, scope, policy goals)
- Federal loan annual and lifetime borrowing caps for all borrower categories
- Universal borrowing limit and implications for high-debt fields
- New repayment framework: Standard Repayment Plan vs. Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP)
- SAVE plan elimination and transition strategies
- PSLF preservation and qualifying payment considerations under RAP
- Consolidation loan restrictions and deadlines for Parent PLUS borrowers
- Deferment and forbearance limitations (post-2027 rules)
- Borrower defense and closed school discharge changes
- College accountability measures and program eligibility risks
- Tax treatment of loan discharges and employer loan repayment benefits
- The risk of losing Federal protections when refinancing to private loans
Learning Objectives
- Explain key OBBB (Act) provisions affecting federal student loan limits, repayment structures, and forgiveness programs
- Evaluate how new borrowing caps and repayment options impact affordability for graduate, professional, and parent borrowers
- Develop loan planning strategies that incorporate OBBB (Act) rules, PSLF eligibility, and tax-exempt loan forgiveness provisions
- Advise borrowers on navigating the transition away from legacy IDR plans, including SAVE plan elimination and consolidation changes
- Identify risks and compliance requirements under new school accountability and executive action limits
Level
Intermediate
Instructional Method
Self-Study
NASBA Field of Study
Taxes (1 hour)
Program Prerequisites
Basic Understdning of Student Loans
Advance Preparation
None
