Skip to main content
June 6, 2019
Question

Where do I take the eligible room and board deduction, which was paid by a 529 savings distribution?

  • June 6, 2019
  • 1 reply
  • 0 views

I contributed $6000 to my son's 529 savings during 2017.  At the end of the year, I took a distribution of $6000 for his room and board.  Since this is an eligible expense, where do I take the deduction in TurboTax?

1 reply

Employee
June 6, 2019

You can enter Room and Board expenses in the Education (Form 1098-T) section of TurboTax.

In the education section, under Here's Your Education Summary, scroll down to Other Education Expenses (for all schools).  Click Edit.  See screenshot attached at the bottom left.

See the TurboTax FAQs below for steps on entering Forms 1099-Q and 1098-T.  Click "See entire answer" for the full page views.

January 29, 2021

There is NO PLACE to enter Room & Board.  Turbotax is so frustrating!!!

January 29, 2021

Room and board are not considered deductible expenses, UNLESS the room and board was paid for with a Coverdell ESA or 529 plan distribution.  In that case, the cost can be deducted from the taxable portion of the distribution.  This is your situation.

 

 

First enter the education expenses in the 1098-T section following these steps:

  1. In your return, click on Federal > Deductions.
  2. In the Education section, click Start/Revisit next to Expenses and Scholarships (Form 1098-T).
  3. Continue through the screens, entering the requested information. 
  4. Room and Board are entered on the screen, Did [XX] Pay for Books or Materials to attend school.  [See screenshot below.]

Next enter your 1099-Q:

  1. On the Deductions & Credits screen, scroll to the Education section.
  2. Click the Start box next to ESA and 529 qualified tuition programs (Form 1099-Q).
  3. On the screen, Tell us about your education plans, mark the YES radio button next to Did you receive a 1099-Q...
  4. Continue through the screens, entering the requested information.
  5. Since you entered room and board expenses in the 1098-T section, you should see the screen that your 1099-Q is not taxable!

 

@Amy278