Q. How does one claim expenses for the purchase of a laptop for school? Are there any supporting documents or proof required?
A. No special documentation is required. Simple answer: Yes. A computer is a qualified expense for calculating your tuition credit. Include the cost under the entry for "books and materials". For a full discussion see:
https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/college-education/discussion/is-a-computer-a-qualified-expense-for...
Q. On a related note, are required course (non-book) materials also a qualified education expense? For example, if a course requires purchase of certain tools or consumable materials (e.g., paints, canvases, pliers, etc.), can these costs be included in qualified expenses?
A. That's a little more iffy. The relevant terminology is "required for attendance".
Qualified expenses, for the American Opportunity Credit: "Tuition, required enrollment fees, and course materials that the student needs for a course of study whether or not the materials are bought at the educational institution as a condition of enrollment or attendance" (Pub 970)
