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posted Jun 6, 2019 3:21:48 AM

If i made just over 80,000 dollars in 2016 can i write off my schooling for upgrading my us merchant mariners licesnse. My work doesn't require me to have upgraded

The Uscg aproved class cost 775 just for the class for four days. My work didn't require me to upgrade I did it on my own. It's not letting me write off any weather gear or any schooling. Why? I have acquired my license on my own and payed for it on my own before I even had a job and than I've upgraded last year. So I'm kinda unemployed for when I got my original license. And than I upgraded on my own when I was employed. But wasn't mandatory for my work.

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1 Best answer
Level 15
Jun 6, 2019 3:21:49 AM

You can deduct training and education to maintain or improve your credentials for your current job/career but not the costs to qualify for a new job/career.

Also, these are miscellaneous deductions subject to the 2% rule, and you must itemize deductions. So even if you list them, you may not get a benefit.

1 Replies
Level 15
Jun 6, 2019 3:21:49 AM

You can deduct training and education to maintain or improve your credentials for your current job/career but not the costs to qualify for a new job/career.

Also, these are miscellaneous deductions subject to the 2% rule, and you must itemize deductions. So even if you list them, you may not get a benefit.