Islamic Education Expense

[AsimAyyub]

Hello Everyone,

My kids go to Islamic center for education and I paid monthly fees  for that, can I deduct these as expenses?

The education center starts from September every year same like the govt. regular schools starts from September every year. 

Thanks,

Asim Ayyub

[xmasbaby0]

EDUCATION EXPENSES

Education expenses for grades K-12 are not deductible on your Federal return, whether for private, public, or home schooling, nor are the expenses for tutoring, after school lessons or after school activities, such as dance lessons, sports, etc.  Some states allow deductions/credits for K-12 education and/or home schooling expenses; if your state has these deductions available, you will be prompted to enter them when you prepare your state return.  (As far as I know, the states that offer any sort of K-12 deductions/credits are Arizona,  Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Minnesota, North Carolina, and Wisconsin)

[SabrinaD2]

Agreed with @xmasbaby0. Unfortunately, you can't deduct education expenses for private religious schools like an Islamic center on your federal taxes. These deductions are typically for higher education at schools on the eligible higher education institutions list by the Department of Education. However, as noted, some states offer credits for private school tuition. 

Additionally, If your children are under 13 and the Islamic center provides after-school care, some of those costs may qualify for the Child and Dependent Care Credit go to page 2.

[AsimAyyub]

I live in New Jersey and my kids are under age 13. 

Thanks for your prompt reply. 

[SabrinaD2]

New Jersey doesn't appear to offer a deduction for private school tuition. However, you might be able to claim care costs outside of regular education hours on your federal return. If your children are under 13 and the Islamic center provides after-school care, some costs may qualify for the Child and Dependent Care Credit.

Helpful Links:

• Tax Tips when sending kids to private or public schools
• The Ins and Outs of the Child and Dependent Care Credit