Can I deduct a computer I bought in 2021 for school in 2022 tax filing?

Forum|Forum|3 years ago
February 15, 2023
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Best answer by DavidD66

No, you cannot deduct things you purchased in 2021 on your 2022 tax return. A computer is a qualified expense for claiming a tuition credit or deduction, but only if you're required to buy it for class (for example if you're enrolled in an online-only course).

If you bought a school computer out of convenience (in other words, you could complete the class without it), you can't deduct it.

Note: For the Lifetime Learning Credit, you can only deduct equipment expenses that were bought directly from the education institution.

Hal_Al

Employee

No. Only educational expenses actually paid in 2022 can be claimed on the 2022 tax filing.

kyash09Author

Thanks @Hal_Al for the response.
I bought my laptop for educational use, but the purchase was made in 2021.

In 2022 tax filing i did not claim it. Can I claim it in current tax filing ?

DavidD66Answer

If you bought a school computer out of convenience (in other words, you could complete the class without it), you can't deduct it.

Note: For the Lifetime Learning Credit, you can only deduct equipment expenses that were bought directly from the education institution.

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YueStevieM7

In mid fall 2022 semester I bought a Surface Pro because all of our homework was online, everything had to be typed, and I could not use my phone to do all of this. I could not use school computers because my work hours were when school was open. So, it was not online-only but EVERYTHING is presented and turned in online.

Hal_Al

Employee

Simple answer: A computer is a qualified expense for calculating your tuition credit. For a full discussion see:

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/college-education/discussion/is-a-computer-a-qualified-expense-for-aotc/01/1452208/highlight/false#M32372

While a computer is a qualified expense for the American Opportunity Credit and a 529 plan distribution, it is not a qualified expense for the Lifetime Learning Credit (LLC).