Can I deduct a computer or laptop that I bought for school?

by TurboTax •   328
Updated December 22, 2025 6:58 PM

Yes, but only if you're required to buy it for class (for example if you're enrolled in an online-only course).

If you bought a school computer out of convenience (in other words, you could complete the class without it), you can't deduct it.

Note: For the Lifetime Learning Credit, you can only deduct equipment expenses that were bought directly from the education institution.

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