<prompt> Human: Heres the situation: I am 31, single, and I have a little under 30k in student loans, at either 4.2 or 6.8 interest through nelnet. I am an emergency service worker and I dont see that changing in the near future. Income this year will be about 64k, with about 40k take home. The question is this. Why wouldnt I minimize my loan payments through income based repayment plans or something similar, pay only the minimums, and have the balance forgiven in a little under 10 years? The loan provisions allow a balance forgiveness after 120 on time payments for public service. The only caveat is the balance would be taxed as income when it is forgiven, but at 200mo the website quoted 147mo so Im overestimating to give wiggle room the amount paid would still be 24k in 10 years, saving me 6k on principal alone, forgetting interest. Is there a reason NOT to go this route that I may be missing? My job is unionized, I am too senior to be laid off, my company is expanding very steadily, and our service area is guaranteed by state law not to shrink. I understand if a sudden windfall came my way itd make sense to pay this off immediately, but if I grind this for 10 years, I see no downside to this plan. Gurus, WHAT AM I MISSING? THANK YOU!Assistant: Under the 10 year PSLF program the amount forgiven is not taxed. That only applies if you do a 25 year repayment. Human: Do you have a location for documentation of this? I could have SWORN my loan paperwork specifically stated the balance would be taxed as income.  <response>: Question 3 here answers that: 