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119-hr-2543119th CongressWALLET

Tax-Free Pell Grant Act

Sponsored By: Representative Doggett, Lloyd [D-TX-37]

Introduced

Summary

This bill would expand education tax credits to cover a wider set of college costs and clarify that Federal Pell Grants used for qualified tuition and related expenses are excluded from gross income.

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  • Students and families: Would broaden the American Opportunity Credit and Lifetime Learning Credit to cover tuition, fees, course materials, certain child and dependent care costs needed for enrollment or attendance, and computer or peripheral equipment. Computer and peripheral equipment would be eligible up to a $1,000 cap per tax year and must be used primarily while the student is enrolled.
  • Pell Grant recipients and scholarship holders: Would clarify that Federal Pell Grants and qualifying scholarships used for eligible tuition and related expenses are excluded from gross income and align scholarship treatment with the credits so tax treatment is consistent.
  • Taxpayers claiming education benefits: Would change the tax code language so expanded items can be taken as credits rather than only as deductions. These changes would apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2024.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

More costs count for college credits

If enacted, for tax years starting after December 31, 2024, you could count more costs when claiming the American Opportunity or Lifetime Learning credits. Tuition, fees, course materials, and child or dependent care needed to attend an eligible school would qualify. Overnight camps would not count, and the care must be required for enrollment or attendance. You could also include computers, software, and internet used mainly by the student, up to $1,000 per year. Some amounts that were only a deduction could be treated as a credit, subject to tax rules and limits.

Pell Grants tax-free when used for tuition

If enacted, for tax years starting after December 31, 2024, you could exclude Federal Pell Grants from income when used for qualified tuition and related expenses. Scholarships and fellowships you use for qualified tuition could also be excluded, if used under the grant’s rules. You would need to show the funds were used as required. This could lower your taxable income and your tax bill.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Doggett, Lloyd [D-TX-37]

TX • D

Cosponsors

  • Rep. Kelly, Mike [R-PA-16]

    PA • R

    Sponsored 4/1/2025

  • Rep. Davis, Danny K. [D-IL-7]

    IL • D

    Sponsored 4/1/2025

  • Rep. Feenstra, Randy [R-IA-4]

    IA • R

    Sponsored 4/1/2025

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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