College Expenses

Forum|Forum|6 years ago
March 16, 2020
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Are required books and course materials eligible expenses for the Education credits on one's tax return? Thanks.

Not A Product Question

Best answer by ColeenD3

Yes. Please read below for full details.

These expenses qualify, as long as they are required to enroll in or attend a qualified educational institution:

Tuition, if paid to the institution
Student-activity fees, if paid to the institution
Books, supplies, and equipment, if required to be purchased from the institution as a condition of enrollment or attendance (Lifetime Learning Credit)
Books, supplies, and equipment, regardless of where purchased (American Opportunity Credit)

Fees paid for non-credit courses and sports (or similar activities) don't qualify unless:

The course or activity is included in the student’s degree program, or
The course helps the student acquire or improve job skills (Lifetime Learning Credit only)

These expenses are not considered qualified education expenses for either credit:

Tutoring
Housing, room and board
Insurance, including student health fees
Medical or dental expenses
Transportation
Entertainment, babysitting, and other personal expenses

Qualified education expenses paid on behalf of the student by someone other than the student (such as a relative), are treated as paid by the student. Qualified education expenses paid (or treated as paid) by a student who is claimed as a dependent on your tax return, are treated as paid by you.

ColeenD3Answer

Level 15

Yes. Please read below for full details.

These expenses qualify, as long as they are required to enroll in or attend a qualified educational institution:

Tuition, if paid to the institution
Student-activity fees, if paid to the institution
Books, supplies, and equipment, if required to be purchased from the institution as a condition of enrollment or attendance (Lifetime Learning Credit)
Books, supplies, and equipment, regardless of where purchased (American Opportunity Credit)

Fees paid for non-credit courses and sports (or similar activities) don't qualify unless:

The course or activity is included in the student’s degree program, or
The course helps the student acquire or improve job skills (Lifetime Learning Credit only)

These expenses are not considered qualified education expenses for either credit: