Debt cancellation can feel like a miracle when you’re struggling to keep up with bills. While debt cancellation can really help your finances, it comes with some strings attached. Under IRS cancellation of debt rules, some forgiven debt is treated as income, and that has a big impact on your finances.
From the IRS’s point of view, when a lender cancels a debt you no longer have to repay, your financial situation has technically improved. That forgiven amount may be considered taxable, even though you don’t magically have more money in your pocket.
Understanding Cancellation of Debt Income
When you’re already stretched thin, the idea of the IRS treating forgiven debt as income can feel unfair. But IRS rules view that forgiven amount as income. This is often called cancellation of debt income, or “COD income.”
When Debt Cancellation Is and Isn’t Reported to the IRS
One of the most confusing parts of forgiven debt is figuring out whether the IRS will tax it, and if you need to take action. In most cases, lenders report forgiven debt to the IRS, not you. Lenders usually send a cancellation of debt tax form—often called a debt cancellation tax form—to both you and the IRS.
COD income can have a big impact on your taxes for the year. For example, if you owed $10,000 on a credit card and settled the debt for $4,000, the remaining $6,000 may be considered debt cancellation tax income by the IRS. COD income can also apply to forgiven student loans or foreclosed mortgages.
The good news is that not all forgiven debt counts as taxable income. You may not have to pay taxes for:
- Bankruptcy discharges
- Insolvency
- Farm or business property debt
- Certain qualified student loan forgiveness programs, like income-driven repayment
Debt forgiveness often happens during some of life’s hardest financial moments. Understanding when it is and isn’t reported gives you clarity so you can prep for tax time.
## How to Report Cancellation of Debt on Taxes
If you received notice that your debt has been forgiven, congratulations! You just need to take a few additional steps to protect yourself when it’s time to file taxes.
1. Watch for Form 1099-C
When a lender forgives $600 or more of debt, they usually send Form 1099-C, which is the most common cancellation of debt tax form. This form shows:
- The amount of debt canceled
- The date it was canceled
- The type of debt
The lender also sends this form to the IRS. That’s why it’s important to address it: ignoring it can make it look like you left income off your return.
2. See if the Canceled Debt Is Taxable
To make things more confusing, not all debt listed on a 1099-C is taxable. Before reporting anything as income, you need to determine whether you qualify for an IRS exclusion. This step is critical because IRS cancellation of debt rules require you to claim exclusions—the IRS won’t do it for you.
3. If You Have an Exclusion, Use Form 982
If your forgiven debt qualifies for an exclusion, you’ll typically file Form 982, officially called Reduction of Tax Attributes Due to Discharge of Indebtedness. It tells the IRS why it shouldn’t tax your canceled debt.
4. Report Taxable Amounts on Your Taxes
After accounting for any exclusions, you need to claim any taxable debt. This process ensures your return matches what the IRS has on record, which can help you avoid penalties in the future.
If you had debt forgiven recently, set aside additional income every month to bulk up your savings before filing your taxes. This will reduce the odds of being in debt to the IRS after filing, which is no fun. If COD income caught you off guard this year, you can always ask the IRS for a payment plan, although there are setup fees.
Relief Comes With Rules
Forgiven debt can feel like a weight off your shoulders after dealing with a hard financial season of life. But the challenge isn’t over just yet. Understanding IRS cancellation of debt rules can help you better prepare for tax season.
While this IRS rule can feel unfair, failing to claim debt forgiveness on your taxes can create headaches later. It’s better to file everything properly now to protect your future finances.
The content provided is intended for informational purposes only. Estimates or statements contained within may be based on prior results or from third parties. The views expressed in these materials are those of the author and may not reflect the view of SmartSpending. We make no guarantees that the information contained on this site will be accurate or applicable and results may vary depending on individual situations. Contact a financial and/or tax professional regarding your specific financial and tax situation. Please visit our terms of service for full terms governing the use this site.