Pc deduction for school

So I recently built a pc essentially from scratch, bought everything except storage, case, and fans, one or more of my classes require a computer for class. My question is can I write off these computer parts as school deductions, and if so, if I also purchased a monitor could I write that off as well. As far as deductions go, if they are more than my actual taxes does the money just get refunded to me?

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Employee Tax Expert

Jan 26, 2026 4:21:32 PM

It depends. If you were a full-time college student for the year in which you incurred the expenses, you may be able to use the cost of the computer and monitor for purposes of the American Opportunity Tax Credit if you need the computer for attendance at the educational institution. You can't directly deduct these costs from your taxes. Educators can deduct up to $300 of qualifying education expenses on their returns.

An eligible student for the AOTC:

Was enrolled at least half-time in a program leading toward a degree, certificate or other recognized educational credential for at least 1 academic period during the tax year
Hasn’t completed the first 4 years of post-secondary (education after high school) at the beginning of the tax year
Hasn’t claimed (or someone else hasn’t claimed) AOTC for the student for more than 4 years
Wasn’t convicted of a federal or state felony drug offense at the end of the tax year

Please see this IRS webpage and this TurboTax article for more information.

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Pc deduction for school