Are senior recital expenses for music majors tax deductible?

[faris-litster]

As a requirement for graduation at most universities, including the one I attended, music majors need to perform a senior recital. Often, this requires payment of other musicians, as well as audio or video techs for streaming/recording/live mixing for the recital, rental of the performance hall, and costs of printing required posters and programs. Are any of these costs tax deductible?

[DavidD66]

No, there is no tax deduction for education expenses; however, you might be able to claim a credit by using the American Opportunity Credit.  Qualified expenses for the American Opportunity Credit include tuition and fees required for the course or program.  This includes books, supplies, and equipment needed for a course of study. It doesn’t matter if you bought these materials from the school as a condition of enrollment or attendance.  

Note, the Lifetime Learning Credit requires payment be made to the eligible school to qualify.

For more information on Education Credits see the following TurboTax article:  What education tax credits are available?