topic Would I be able to claim a fairly expensive computer as an educational credit? I'm an online student for college and it required me to get a computer for my classes. in Education

Would I be able to claim a fairly expensive computer as an educational credit? I'm an online student for college and it required me to get a computer for my classes.

samnewt105 — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 12:50:20 GMT

I know that under the American opportunity tax credit, you can claim most expenses for college needs like books and etc, but I was just wondering if I would be able to claim my computer that I use for school as a credit. Also, would there be a limit as to how much of it I can claim if the computer is too expensive for the claim? Again, I use it for all of my online classes for college. Thanks in advance 🙂

Re: Would I be able to claim a fairly expensive computer as an educational credit? I'm an online ...

KrisD15 — Fri, 10 Feb 2023 21:33:00 GMT

Yes, you may claim a computer as an education expense.

No, the IRS does not set limit a limit to the cost, although they might question it if it was totally outrageous.

According to the IRS:

Expenses include

"The purchase of computer or peripheral equipment,

computer software, or Internet access and related

services if it is to be used primarily by the beneficiary

during any of the years the beneficiary is enrolled at

an eligible postsecondary school. (This doesn’t include expenses for computer software for sports,

games, or hobbies unless the software is predominantly educational in nature.)"

Re: Would I be able to claim a fairly expensive computer as an educational credit? I'm an online ...

Hal_Al — Fri, 10 Feb 2023 21:44:04 GMT

Simple answer: Yes. A computer is a qualified expense for calculating your tuition credit. For a full discussion see:

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/college-education/discussion/is-a-computer-a-qualified-expense-for-aotc/01/1452208/highlight/false#M32372

Simple answer: Yes. A computer is a qualified expense for calculating your tuition credit. For a full discussion see:

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/college-education/discussion/re-education-expenses-question-computer/01/2803482#M48545