Can I deduct required textbooks I bought through Amazon?

[kfs008]

The professors required the books for their class to complete the assignments through the access codes located in the books. It was not required to buy them through the university bookstore so I bought them cheaper with Amazon.

[MinhT · Accepted solution]

Yes, you can.

This is an extract of an IRS document which can be seen in its entirety at this link:

https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/individuals/qualified-ed-expenses

For AOTC only , expenses for books, supplies and equipment the student needs for a course of study are included in qualified education expenses even if it is not paid to the school. For example, the cost of a required course book bought from an off-campus bookstore is a qualified education expense.