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Level 1
April 15, 2026
Question

For all of 2025, I was enrolled in an accredited language school. I paid for every class without financial aid. Should I report this in my tax return?

  • April 15, 2026
  • 2 replies
  • 142 views
I want to incorporate the language skill to my career, as it has been relevant in my previous employment.

2 replies

Hal_Al
Level 15
Level 15
April 15, 2026

Regular W-2 employees are no longer (since 2018) allowed to deduct job expenses, including education. If you're self employed, you can deduct the cost, as a business expense, on schedule C.

If the courses were taken at a recognized college or vocational school (educational institutions eligible to participate in the student aid programs administered by the Department of Education),  you can, instead,  take the Lifetime Learning Credit (but not the American Opportunity credit).

 

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

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

AmyC
Level 15
April 15, 2026

You went to an accredited school and paid so if your income allows you to claim a college credit, you should enter your education expenses. Classes taken for work qualify for the LLC. -lifetime learning credit. Currently:

  • For the full credit, your MAGI (modified adjusted gross income) is less than $80,000 ($160,000 if you're filing jointly)
  • For a reduced credit, your MAGI is between $80,000 and $90,000 ($160,000 and $180,000 if you're filing jointly)
  • There is no credit given if your MAGI is above $90,000 ($180,000 if you’re filing jointly)
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