“Before agonizing over how you are ever going to be able to afford even a semester's tuition, consider checking out tax credits and/or deductions that may wind up helping you cut costs in your pursuit to a higher education,” said Venar Ayar of Ayar Law Group. “From student-activity fees to the Lifetime Learning Credit, students have many opportunities to save their hard-earned money that they undoubtedly need as they continue their education.”
It is important to understand the primary difference between a tax credit and a tax deduction. A tax credit reduces the amount of income tax owed, while a tax deduction reduces the amount of income that is subject to tax.
Available education credits include the American Opportunity Tax Credit and the Lifetime Learning Credit. To qualify for these credits, a student, dependent or third party must pay the education expenses, the student must be enrolled at an eligible educational institution, and be listed on the tax return. Only one credit can be claimed for the same student in one year, and the AOTC cannot be claimed if the student was a nonresident alien for a long part of the year.
Qualified education expenses can also be deducted for a student, spouse or dependent. The Tuition and fees deduction can reduce the amount of income subject to tax by up to $4,000. Education credits for expenses can also be deducted if eligible students pay qualified education expenses of higher education and the student is either yourself, your spouse, or your dependent for whom you claim an exemption on your tax return.
The Tuition and Fees Deduction cannot be claimed if the filing status is “Married, filing separate,” another person can claim the student as a dependent,the modified adjusted gross income is more than $80,000 (or $160,000 if filing a joint return), or the student was a nonresident alien for any part of the year and did not elect to be treated as a resident alien.
Student-activity fees and expenses for course-related books, supplies and equipment are included in qualified education expensesif the fees and expenses must be paid to the institution as a condition of enrollment or attendance.
Scholarships are taxable or tax-free depending on the expense paid, and whether the student is a degree candidate and uses the scholarship to pay qualified expenses. Qualified education expenses include tuition and fees required to enroll at or attend an eligible educational institution and course-related expenses. Expenses that don’t qualify include room and board, travel, research, clerical help and equipment other expenses that are not required for enrollment in or attendance.
For more information about tax credits and deductions, please visit http://www.ayarlawgroup.com/back-to-school-tax-tips-education-tax-credits-and-tuition-and-fees-deductions/#more-3107
About The Ayar Law Group
The Ayar Law Group specializes in helping individuals and businesses solve their tax problems. Our Michigan tax attorneys serve all of metro Detroit and the greater Southeastern Michigan area. Our narrowly-focused tax resolution practice gives us the specialized knowledge and experience we need to fully understand the nature of, and best possible solutions to, each and every individual and business tax problem. www.ayarlawgroup.com
For media inquiries, please contact Sherrie Handrinos at 734-341-6859 or sherriehandrinos@gmail.com.
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