Do art supplies for my university projects count as required expenses?

[artsyfart1]

I don't know whether or not my art supplies go for my required expenses or non required, especially since I am a studio art major. Without being able to buy them I would have not been able to pass my classes.

[PaulaM · Accepted solution]

Yes, the supplies would be required for your art major.

[artsyfart1]

Thank you so much! I was worried and confused there for a bit! Thank you

[PaulaM]

You're welcome!

[Opus 17]

Be careful however: there are two categories of "required" expenses; those required to be paid to the school, and expenses that are paid to other businesses.  Expenses paid to third-parties (bookstore, art supply store, etc.) are eligible for the AOTC but not the Lifetime Learning credit.  The Lifetime Learning Credit only accepts expenses billed by the school and paid to the school.  Turbotax asks about these two categories separately.  If you pay attention to the interview and enter the school and non-school expenses in the correct place, Turbotax will handle the rest of the math for you.