topic Re: Is the tuition I payed to receive my degree last year deductible if the degree was necessary as a qualification for the job? in Education

Is the tuition I payed to receive my degree last year deductible if the degree was necessary as a qualification for the job?

abelarski — Mon, 09 Mar 2026 05:45:53 GMT

Re: Is the tuition I payed to receive my degree last year deductible if the degree was necessary as a qualification for the job?

Bsch4477 — Fri, 18 Feb 2022 03:44:14 GMT

Depends on how you want to deduct it t. For business expense deduction, to be deductible, your expenses must be for education that (1) maintains or improves skills needed in your present work or (2) a law requires to keep your present salary, status or job. However, even if the education meets either of these tests, the education can't be part of a program that will qualify you for a new trade or business or that you need to meet the minimal educational requirements of your present trade or business.

But you may be eligible for Lifetime Learning Credit.

Re: Is the tuition I payed to receive my degree last year deductible if the degree was necessary as a qualification for the job?

Hal_Al — Fri, 18 Feb 2022 12:57:15 GMT

Education as a job expense deduction was eliminated in 2018 for W-2 employees. The self employed can still take that deduction, but as Bsch4477 said, you situation would not qualify because the education appears to be part of a program that will qualify you for a new trade or business or to meet the minimal educational requirements of your present trade or business.

The degree education does qualify for a turion credit, either the more generous American Opportunity Credit or the Lifetime Learning Credit. Enter your 1098-T and other info and TurboTax will select the best one.