Does continuing education count as a tax deduction? I spent $725.00 on a Real Estate course.

[loisannbrown]

It's not the work I do now, but will in the future.  Will that count?

[HelenC12]

No, that is not deductible. 

You can't deduct real estate school costs and licensing fees because it qualifies you for a new business or profession.

Per  IRS Topic No. 513 Work-Related Education Expenses for additional information: This means you cannot deduct the costs of education courses you take to help prepare for your state’s real estate license exam. Nor is the fee to take the exam itself deductible.

This rule applies even where a licensed real estate agent, salesperson, or sales associate pays for education to pass the state exam to become a real estate broker.