topic Laptop deduction! in Get your taxes done using TurboTax

Laptop deduction!

Robjkrespo — Tue, 10 Mar 2026 06:09:58 GMT

I have question that I've been trying to have answered. I'm in school and we need a laptop. I know I can deduct it but my question is can I deduct the whole amount even if my laptop is on a payment plan . Also can I include the interest for the life of the plan ?

If I can't deduct the entire purchase price in a year only the payments ? Can I include the interest as well ?

Thank you so much !
Robert

Re: Laptop deduction!

Bsch4477 — Thu, 15 Sep 2022 02:57:54 GMT

You can’t deduct your laptop but it’s an educational expense for the purpose of the American Opportunity education credit. If you are claimed as a dependent your parent claims that credit if otherwise eligible.

Re: Laptop deduction!

Robjkrespo — Thu, 15 Sep 2022 03:02:30 GMT

Thank you so much ! I claim myself if I did use AOE can I deduct the entire purchase price plus interest ( life of the plan) even though its on a payment plan or only what I pay for the laptop in a year?

Thank you so much !

Robert

Re: Laptop deduction!

Bsch4477 — Thu, 15 Sep 2022 03:38:40 GMT

If you are not claimed by anyone else use the amount you actually spent in the tax year you are filing.

Re: Laptop deduction!

Hal_Al — Thu, 15 Sep 2022 12:58:22 GMT

Q. If I did use AOE can I claim the entire purchase price?

A. Yes. You are considered as having paid for the course material (the required computer) with borrowed money.

Q. Can I claim the interest paid.

A. No.

A separate issue:

A full time unmarried student, under age 24, even if you don't qualify as a dependent, is only eligible for the refundable portion of the American Opportunity Credit if he supports himself by working. You cannot be supporting yourself on parental support, 529 plans or student loans & grants. It is usually best if the parent claims that credit.