College student living expense deductions

[jsburkefam]

I have twins at separate universities.  We pay for all of their rent and living expenses.  Is this deductible?

[xmasbaby0]

Rent and living expenses are not qualified education expenses.   If they have a 529 or some other sort of education savings plan you might be able to use the rent, and some expenses for food.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1899852-what-are-considered-qualified-education-expenses

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/2976047-what-are-examples-of-education-expenses

[Carl]

Probably not. The only deductible out-of-pocket expenses are referred to as "qualified education expneses". Those are tuition, books, and lab fees. While lab fees is a rather broad category, things like rent, utilities, food and transportation are not deductible.

Now, is there a Coverdell or 529 plan involved here? If so, that changes things. If not, I"m not going to waste your time discussing what won't apply to you anyway.

[leeloo]

No. 

You cannot take a deduction for:

• Room and board, optional fees (such as for student health insurance), transportation, or other similar personal expenses.
• Course-related books and supplies, unless you are required to buy them directly from the school.

[jsburkefam]

Thank you all so much!  I really appreciate the feedback.  Squared me away on what I needed.