Can I deduct a Laptop as a Work-Related Education Expenses?

[lpre30]

I entered a professional development program and purchased a laptop in order to complete the course load as I did not have a functioning one given my past one was over 8 years old. Can I deduct it?

[Hal_Al]

Simple answer: yes. Everybody does it.

A computer for school purposes may or may not qualify for the education credits. Generally, if your computer is a necessary requirement for enrollment or attendance at an educational institution, the IRS deems it a qualifying expense. If you are using the computer simply out of convenience, it most likely does not qualify for a tax credit

If your computer does not qualify for any government educational tax credits, you may be able to use the expense as an itemized deduction instead. Since you are apparently claiming work related education, instead of a credit, you have a lower standard for qualifying