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February 18, 2021
Question

For college expense, can I only claim books, tuition, laptop, printer, and supplies for classes? Can I claim parking passes, meal plans, mileage?

  • February 18, 2021
  • 4 replies
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4 replies

macuser_22
Employee
February 18, 2021

No.  Only materials required for the class are deductible.

 

See IRS Pub 570 page 14

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p970.pdf

 

Related expenses.

Student activity fees are included in qualified education expenses only if the fees must be paid to the institution as a condition of enrollment or attend-ance.However, expenses for books, supplies, and equip-ment needed for a course of study are included in quali-fied education expenses whether or not the materials are purchased from the educational institution.

**Disclaimer: This post is for discussion purposes only and is NOT tax advice. The author takes no responsibility for the accuracy of any information in this post.**
February 18, 2021

No. You cannot claim parking passes, meal plans and mileage as education expenses.

 

Please read this IRS document for more information.

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Employee
February 18, 2021

For the American Opportunity Credit 

Expenses  for tuition, books, supplies, and equipment  needed for a course of study are included in qualified  education expenses. The parking, meals and mileage do not qualify. 

Hal_Al
Employee
February 19, 2021

That is correct for the education credit or deduction or the savings bond interest exclusion.  Supplies are restricted to "required" materials.

 

However, meal plans, room & board are qualified expenses for a 529/ESA withdrawal. But not  parking passes and mileage.