p1apbt815pp8b4tr11pu1d3m1mmk6.jpg
Group Of Students
Darren Greenwood / Design Pics Design Pics / Darren Greenwood/Vibe Images - Fotolia

Private School Tuition and School Uniforms

The cost of private school or parochial school tuition is not deductible. However, the child care component costs of private school tuition for children under 13 may qualify the taxpayer for a tax credit. School uniforms are also not deductible even if they are required.
p1apd97s4t18e41sqf4nsr4p1rb9a.jpg
Kinder spielen mit Bausteinen im Hort zusammen mit einer Erzieherin
Robert Kneschke/Robert Kneschke - Fotolia

Before and After School Care Can Be Deducted

For a child under the age of 13, the cost of before or after school care may qualify the taxpayer for a tax credit if it is a qualifying expense.
p1apd9cu1l1ht61ql533o7ks1hds7.jpg
school fundraiser written in chalk on a chalkboard on a rustic background
Picasa/ftlaudgirl - Fotolia

Tax Deductions for School Fundraisers are Limited

You are required to reduce your deduction by the market value of any goods or services received in return for your charitable donation. 
p1apd9fg5k1dm1aop1ms91ejquoj6.jpg
Couple of students holding cardboard box and back pack moving in to the university campus
Picasa/mangostock - Fotolia

Moving Expenses to Go to College are Not Deductible

Going away to college is not moving for a job and is not considered a moving expense deduction by the IRS. However, the expenses for moving from college for that first job may be eligible for the moving expenses deduction.
p1apd97s4s1pkqpvl1knk2381afm8.jpg
Picasa/Brocreative - Fotolia

Earnings in 529 Plans are Not Federally Taxable

The earnings in 529 plans are not taxable. The money grows tax-free and withdrawals are not taxable as long as the money is used for eligible college expenses.
p1apd99ru8aau1ust9v26tkohf6.jpg
saving for your education concept
Picasa/eskaylim - Fotolia

Use Tax-Deferred Accounts to Pay for Educational Expenses

You can use tax-deferred accounts (i.e., an Educational Savings Account) to pay for qualified educational expenses including books and computers for elementary, high school and college expenses.
p1apda20m7n761b2t3p11m4r1i2i6.jpg
Hand arrange wood letters as student Loan word
Picasa/wong yu liang - Fotolia

Student Loan Interest is Deductible Above the Line

Student loan interest is generally deductible as an above the line deduction, meaning you do not have to itemize in order to claim the deduction. There is a student loan interest deduction of up to $2,500 for paying interest on a student loan used for higher education. The amount of the student loan interest deduction is gradually reduced if the taxpayer’s modified adjusted gross income is within a certain range.
p1apd97s4t4sf1kb7p4uq5rn5r9.jpg
Picasa/Steve Young - Fotolia

American Opportunity Tax Credit

The American Opportunity Tax Credit can amount to $2,500 in tax credits per eligible student and is available for the first four years of post-secondary education at a qualified education institution. Up to 40% of the credit is refundable, which means that the taxpayer may be able to receive up to $1,000, even if they have no tax liability. Eligible expenses include tuition at an eligible institution, books and required supplies, but not room and board, medical expenses, insurance, etc. Income limits apply. The taxpayer is now required to have the 1098-T from the qualified educational institution to take the AOTC, and the credit has to be based on amount paid and not billed.
p1apd9b20b1flrb4l1mpb1i4bats6.jpg
Mixed group of students in college
Picasa/Monkey Business - Fotolia

Lifetime Learning Credit

Up to a maximum of $2,000 credit for qualified education expenses paid for a student enrolled in an eligible educational institution. The credit is a nonrefundable credit of 20% of a maximum $10,000 in qualified education expenses. There is currently no limit on the number of years a taxpayer can claim the credit. Income limits apply. Please keep in mind, this credit does not allow for some of the items that are allowed for the AOTC. This credit is generally based on tuition and fees.
p1apd93dnqqma1n7i25i6u01oou6.jpg
College or high school diploma with mini mortar board and money
Picasa/zimmytws - Fotolia

Tuition and Fees Deduction

The Tuition and Fees Deduction applies to qualified education expenses for higher education for an eligible student taking undergraduate, graduate or post graduate courses. The deduction gradually phases out after a certain income range. There is no limit to the number of years the credit can be claimed. 
p1apd9cu1l1r6j1do4fflf6i1s296.jpg
Cohn, Michael

Roth IRA

The income earned from summer and/or after school employment by the student can be contributed to a Roth IRA, which will grow tax-free. The earnings are taxable and subject to a penalty only if withdrawn before the age of 59 ½.
MORE FROM ACCOUNTING TODAY