Help Employees Maximize Education Benefits at Tax Time

Posted on: February 17, 2026

Tax season isn’t just about filing returns—it’s an opportunity for employers to remind employees of valuable education benefits that can ease financial stress and support career growth. Tuition assistance and student loan repayment programs often have tax implications employees should understand, and timely communication can help them make the most of these benefits.

Tax season is when employees review finances and W-2s, making it the perfect time to clarify tax implications of education benefits and encourage engagement.

At BenefitEd, we partner with employers to not only deliver education benefits but also help communicate them effectively. Here’s how you can position your organization as a resource during tax season.

Why Tax Season Matters for Education Benefits

Education benefits are powerful tools for attracting and retaining talent, but they’re only effective if employees know how to use them. During tax season, employees are thinking about finances—making this the perfect time to highlight:

  • Tuition Assistance: Is it taxable? What limits apply?
  • Student Loan Repayment: How does employer contribution affect taxes?
  • Documentation: What do employees need to keep for accurate filing?

Proactive communication now can increase benefit utilization and reinforce your commitment to employee financial wellness.

Tips Employers Can Share With Employees

Here are four practical tips you can pass along to employees:

  1. Understand tax implications of tuition assistance.
    Employer-provided tuition assistance may be tax-free up to certain limits. Employees should confirm current IRS guidelines.
  2. Know how student loan repayment benefits are reported.
    Employer contributions toward student loans may have tax implications. Employees should review their W-2 and consult a tax professional.
  3. Keep documentation organized.
    Save receipts, statements, and benefit summaries for accurate tax filing.
  4. Consult a tax professional for personalized advice.
    Every situation is unique—encourage employees to seek expert guidance.

Note: BenefitEd does not provide tax advice. Employees should consult a tax professional.

Employer Communication Strategies

Employees are busy, and tax season can feel overwhelming. To cut through the noise, use clear, timely, and multi-channel communication.

Here’s how:

  1. Email Campaigns

    • Timing: Send your first email in early February, then follow up mid-March.
    • Sample Subject Lines:

      • “Tax Season Tip: Maximize Your Education Benefits”
      • “Don’t Miss Out: Tuition Assistance & Loan Repayment at Tax Time”
    • Body Copy Ideas:

      • Briefly explain that education benefits can have tax implications employees should be aware of during tax season.
      • Include two to three quick tips employees can act on.
      • Link to your intranet for details.
  2. Intranet Posts

    • Create a dedicated “Tax Season Tips” section with FAQs.
    • “Are tuition benefits taxable?”
    • “How do employer student loan contributions show up on my W-2?”
    • Add a downloadable checklist for employees to prepare for filing.
  3. Manager Talking Points

    • Equip managers with a short script for team meetings:

      • “Tax season is a great time to review your education benefits. If you have questions about tuition assistance or student loan repayment, check out the resources on our intranet or reach out to HR.”
    • Encourage employees to share personal success stories if they’ve used these benefits.
  4. Visual Reminders

    • Use graphics or quick videos on internal channels to grab attention.
    • Example: A 30-second video explaining how tuition assistance can reduce out-of-pocket costs.

Why This Matters for Employers

Clear communication drives engagement. When employees understand and use education benefits, they’re more likely to feel supported—boosting retention and satisfaction. Tax season is a natural touchpoint to reinforce your investment in their success.

Ready to Make Your Education Benefits Work Harder?

BenefitEd offers resources and support to help you communicate effectively. Contact us today to learn more.