I’m a firm believer that information is the key to financial freedom. On the Stilt Blog, I write about the complex topics — like finance, immigration, and technology — to help immigrants make the most of their lives in the U.S. Our content and brand have been featured in Forbes, TechCrunch, VentureBeat, and more.
See all posts Frank GogolAre Your Education Expenses Tax Deductible?
Updated on November 7, 2023
Written by
Written by
Reviewed by
Rohit Mittal
Reviewed by
Rohit Mittal
Rohit Mittal is the co-founder and CEO of Stilt. Rohit has extensive experience in credit risk analytics and data science. He spent years building credit risk and fraud models for top U.S. banks. In his current role, he defines the overall business strategy, leads debt and capital fundraising efforts, leads product development, and leads other customer-related aspects for the company. Stilt is backed by Y Combinator and has raised a total of $275M in debt and equity funding to date.
See all posts Rohit Mittal
At a Glance: Education expenses may be tax-deductible if they meet IRS criteria. Deductible expenses include tuition, mandatory fees, books, and sometimes transportation. IRS Tax Topic 513 provides detailed criteria, and the IRS website lists qualified education expenses.
Understanding what education expenses you can claim on your taxes can make a significant difference in your annual budget. The IRS sets forth specific guidelines that determine whether your educational costs are just personal expenditures or smart investments with tax benefits. This introduction will shed light on what counts as education expenses for tax deductions, offering a clear pathway to making informed decisions about your education and finances.
Can I Deduct Education Expenses on My Tax Return?
It depends.
Like certain aspects of childcare, The IRS provides criteria for education expenses to be deductible. If your expenses are for maintaining or improving job skills or are mandated by your employer or law, they may be deductible. Dive deeper into the criteria with the IRS Tax Topic 513.
Types of Deductible Education Expenses
Not all education expenses are created equal in the eyes of the IRS. Costs such as:
- tuition
- mandatory fees
- books
- transportation (in some cases)
For a full list of what qualifies, visit the Qualified Education Expenses page on the IRS website.
Example: Undergraduate Tuition Deductions
To illustrate how you can benefit, consider these scenarios: Jane, an aspiring biologist, can claim her $3,000 tuition and $500 book expenses under the American Opportunity Credit because tuition and books can be deducted.
For more details, check the American Opportunity Tax Credit page.
Work-Related Education Expenses
Investing in education to further your career can also have tax advantages. The key is that the education must maintain or improve your job skills. Find out more about what counts as work-related at the IRS’s work-related education expenses page.
How to Maximize Your Education Tax Advantages
Keeping accurate records of your education expenses throughout the year can make claiming these deductions much easier. Be on the lookout for tax credits like the Lifetime Learning Credit that might apply to you.
Learn More
Final Thoughts
Understanding the nuances of education-related tax deductions can significantly impact your tax liability and personal finances. Keep abreast of the latest IRS guidelines and consider consulting with a tax professional for personalized advice.
Frank Gogol
I’m a firm believer that information is the key to financial freedom. On the Stilt Blog, I write about the complex topics — like finance, immigration, and technology — to help immigrants make the most of their lives in the U.S. Our content and brand have been featured in Forbes, TechCrunch, VentureBeat, and more.