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New Member
posted Feb 18, 2021 3:13:15 PM

For college expense, can I only claim books, tuition, laptop, printer, and supplies for classes? Can I claim parking passes, meal plans, mileage?

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4 Replies
Level 15
Feb 18, 2021 3:24:52 PM

No.  Only materials required for the class are deductible.

 

See IRS Pub 570 page 14

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p970.pdf

 

Related expenses.

Student activity fees are included in qualified education expenses only if the fees must be paid to the institution as a condition of enrollment or attend-ance.However, expenses for books, supplies, and equip-ment needed for a course of study are included in quali-fied education expenses whether or not the materials are purchased from the educational institution.

Expert Alumni
Feb 18, 2021 3:25:34 PM

No. You cannot claim parking passes, meal plans and mileage as education expenses.

 

Please read this IRS document for more information.

Level 15
Feb 18, 2021 3:26:19 PM

For the American Opportunity Credit 

Expenses  for tuition, books, supplies, and equipment  needed for a course of study are included in qualified  education expenses. The parking, meals and mileage do not qualify. 

Level 15
Feb 18, 2021 4:03:39 PM

That is correct for the education credit or deduction or the savings bond interest exclusion.  Supplies are restricted to "required" materials.

 

However, meal plans, room & board are qualified expenses for a 529/ESA withdrawal. But not  parking passes and mileage.