I graduated yoga teacher training and received my certification. Does what I paid for this education count as education tax break?

[trishi-30106]

I paid $3500 for the course.

[CatinaT1]

You might be eligible for the Lifetime Learning Credit.

For the Lifetime Learning Credit there is no limit on the number of years you can use this credit for undergraduate, graduate and professional degree courses. This includes ones to improve job skills.

• Maximum credit is $2,000 per tax return.
• Can be used when you're only taking one class.
• You don't need to be working towards a degree.
• None of the credit is refundable.

You should receive a 1098-T if you are attending an eligible education institution.  See a list here.  

In TurboTax you need to first enter your tuition statement - form 1098-T.  The software will ask you a few questions that will generate and apply the lifetime learning credit to your return. 

• In TurboTax, search for "1098T" and
• Click the "Jump to" link in the search results.
• Answer any education questions that pop up (enrollment status, name of school, etc).

For helpful information on Educational Credits here is IRS information on Lifetime Learning Credit.

[Hal_Al]

 To be eligible for the tuition credits, the course must be taken at "an eligible institution". The school should be able to tell you if it is an eligible educational institution. In general, an eligible educational institution is an accredited college, university, vocational school, or other postsecondary educational institution, including accredited, public, nonprofit, and proprietary (privately-owned, profit-making) postsecondary institutions. Additionally, in order to be an eligible educational institution, the school must be eligible to participate in a student aid program administered by the Department of Education. If they issue a 1098-T they are probably an eligible institution.

Enter your school at the link below, to see if it's on the dept. of education list.

   https://www.savingforcollege.com/eligible-institutions