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If I am a self-employed piano teacher, is further education deductible?

Forum|Forum|7 years ago
June 2, 2019
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If I am pursuing a masters or graduate diploma program in music, can I deduct the program tuition? It does not qualify me for a new trade/business but enhances my skills for my current position.

The school program also issued a 1098-T.

Best answer by DanielV01

It can be claimed as a business expense if it is not qualifying you for a new career, but is enhancing your abilities in your current career. In your situation you may get a better tax break claiming this expense against your business income than as a credit.

Because, it can also be claimed for the Lifetime Learning Credit. This FAQ provides more information: https://ttlc.intuit.com/replies/5358151

DanielV01Answer

Employee

It can be claimed as a business expense if it is not qualifying you for a new career, but is enhancing your abilities in your current career. In your situation you may get a better tax break claiming this expense against your business income than as a credit.

Because, it can also be claimed for the Lifetime Learning Credit. This FAQ provides more information: https://ttlc.intuit.com/replies/5358151

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student18Author

Thanks. Should I still include my 1098-T information in my tax return then? Since I will be claiming it as an expense rather than going for the credit.