Education Expense on Schedule A

[nkustura]

I have a client whose adjusted income is $83k so he doesn't qualify for education credit nor tuition and fees deduction. He had already been working as an environmental engineer and already had one 4-year degree prior to obtaining another degree in environmental engineering. This new degree will help him improve the skills for current job. So, I was thinking to claim the tuition paid in 2012 for second 4-year degree as an education expenses (job expenses) on schedule A, but I am not 100% confident in my approach. In the textbook, I read about education expenses, and it seems that this would be fine to claim on schedule A.

I am sure some of you have come across this before. Any feedback will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

[Traveling EA]

Education expenses on Schedule A

I have used it before a number of years ago. I had a publication (I no longer have) that gave me the confidence to claim it, so cannot cite anything. I also had a VP at a hospital who got her masters and took it on A. The problem with taking it on A is AMT.

[BP.]

education expenses (job expenses) on schedule A, but I am not 100% confident

Pub 17, p. 194, Figure 27-A- Little flow chart for work-related education expenses:

http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p17.pdf

Might help you.

[zeros]

Lifetime Learning Credit?

What's wrong with taking the LLC or the Tuition & Fees deduction for these expenses?

[mactoolsix]

Phase Outs

What's wrong with taking the LLC or the Tuition & Fees deduction for these expenses?

LLC phases out at $63K (S)
Tuition & Fees at $80K (S)

I'm assuming he is filing Single

Mike

[nkustura]

That's correct. He is filing single and his income is above the thresholds for credit and tuition and fees deduction.

[ddoshan]

If the deduction is OK don't forget the possible mileage. That can add up but does get a little tricky as to just when or what mileage may be included as part of the expense.

[smithtax]

This Might Help

Reg 1.162-5

http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CFR-2003-title26-vol2/pdf/CFR-2003-title26-vol2-sec1-162-5.pdf