anyone know if you can claim test fees on taxes?

[happymeal79]

ece, dantes, etc.

[JanusthePhoenix]

I think to claim educational stuff on taxes, you need documentation from a college that you paid tuition and junk. I'm no tax attorney or anything, I'm just remembering what TaxSlayer told me about it.

I made almost nothing last year and ended up paying no taxes at all with just the standard deduction, so not an issue for me. :p

So I guess maybe you could claim ECEs if you were an Excelsior student? I'm sure EC could confirm or deny.

[Lindagerr]

From what I understand if you can claim books and tuition you can claim testing fees. You do get a receipt when you pay, If you are taking the test to advance in your job it should definitely be tax deductable.

[bricabrac]

:iagree: I spoke to my accountant about this just last week and yes, you can claim all the test expenses. Just hold on to your receipts. Proxy fees as well if you have to pay them.

[happymeal79]

thanks for the info, much appreciated!

[peace123]

:iagree: I spoke to my accountant about this just last week and yes, you can claim all the test expenses. Just hold on to your receipts. Proxy fees as well if you have to pay them.

Did the account say if it was covered under the Hope or lifetime learning or both?

Here is a link with info on both :
College Tuition - education tax credits - hope tax credit, lifetime learning

It appears for one to claim the Hope credit you have to be enrolled at least half-time. Check Box 8 on your 1098-T to see if your school reported you as "at least half-time student".

The lifetime learning credit does not seem to have that same stipulation but it seems to only cover tuition and fees.

Here is an IRS pub. that might be helpful : http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p970.pdf

[bricabrac]

Did the account say if it was covered under the Hope or lifetime learning or both?

Here is a link with info on both :
College Tuition - education tax credits - hope tax credit, lifetime learning

Peace,

I didn't ask and will not know until my returns are completed. From my own research last year I knew there would be special added tax cuts for education allowed this year (and next); I think you can actually use both avenues this year but unsure of what credits/deductions apply to each. I bow to accountants, keeping up with the ever changing tax codes and forms is an art of itself! I could never do it!
eeya:

[peace123]

As a former state tax collector I will just add the following advice :

"ignorance of the tax law is not a defense"

"even if you pay someone to prepare your return, ultimately any tax and penalties owed because of an audit are your responsibility, not your prepares/ Accountants"...so it is wise to
learn about these credits if your preparer/Accountant has you claim the education credits on your return.

[peace123]

Peace,

I didn't ask and will not know until my returns are completed. From my own research last year I knew there would be special added tax cuts for education allowed this year (and next); I think you can actually use both avenues this year but unsure of what credits/deductions apply to each. I bow to accountants, keeping up with the ever changing tax codes and forms is an art of itself! I could never do it!
eeya:

FYI: from IRS form 8863 Education Credits (2009) :
Lifetime Learning Credit. Caution: You cannot take the American opportunity credit or the Hope credit and the
lifetime learning credit for the same student in the same year.

[bricabrac]

As a former state tax collector I will just add the following advice :

"ignorance of the tax law is not a defense"

"even if you pay someone to prepare your return, ultimately any tax and penalties owed because of an audit are your responsibility, not your prepares/ Accountants"...so it is wise to
learn about these credits if your preparer/Accountant has you claim the education credits on your return.

Peace,

I am now confused why you asked what plan my accountant advised if you already knew the answer? I was simply answering a question about claiming school expenses...this is not a forum for taxes. What you are saying is common sense that I would imagine everyone who itemizes returns already knows. And for the record my accountant does not do anything illegal. Geez, how did this turn into an attack on me and my accountant.

OP, good luck to you. I will not comment on this thread again.

Good evening.