Tax deuctions - Test expenses and prep? Forum

[GordonBombay]

Hi,

If anyone out there is an accountant, and I'm sure at least one is, I have a question. Is is possible to deduct Admissions test expenses from your taxes? What about Apps. I know there are a lot of credits and deductions regarding college education etc, but didn't know if you could do it until you enrolled.

On 2 LSATs, a site change, prep books, a hotel etc Id say Ive spent about $600.00

Apps are another story, but I think we all know how much those cost too.

Any input is appreciated. Thanks!

[allison34363]

I doubt it.

[tikitavi]

Doubtful. You are allowed to deduct educational expenses and tuition only if they are used to develop a skill you currently have or to further your current career. So for example, law school tuition is not tax deductible because you are developing the new skill of being a lawyer. But an LLM would be deductible - you already have your J.D. and an LLM merely develops the skill you already had.

[azlawlady]

I'm not an accountant, but its been asked before, and the answer is no.

[GordonBombay]

Ok, thanks a lot guys. Just figured it was worth looking into.

[swords]

Not to completely dismiss this, but I asked a CPA about this today after seeing topic here and she said that it CAN, if for instance you already work for law firm or where you can get a promotion with a law degree. Not if you can just get up and leave to go get a better job .. or something.

She said she'll look into it deeper and get back to me. I already work as a Patent Agent, therefore getting a law degree would help me get to Patent Attorney so it *might* qualify. Will get back to you on that ...

[luckyjd]

law school tuition doesn't qualify for life time learning tax credit?

[bees]

H&R Block claims that putting your couch out on your front lawn counts as a donation so I'm pretty sure they can find a way to deduct your law school related expenses for you.