Can I get the education deduction if i paid for education expenses in 2024 but wont start school until September 2025?

[Vanessa A]

No.  in order to claim an education credit, you must be enrolled in school during the year in which you are claiming the credit.  You cannot claim it for prepaid classes.  If you start in September, then you would need to wait until 2026 to claim an education credit. 

[Hal_Al]

Q. Can I get the education deduction if i paid for education expenses in 2024 but wont start school until September 2025?

A. No. Under a special rule, you could have  claim that payment if the term had started before March 31, 2025.  But a term starting in Sept. would not qualify. You will also not be able to claim that payment, on your 2025 tax return, either, because it was not paid in the same year as the classes.