Tax filing guru's, education expense Q

[jdgregory84]

So I took an EMT class with training division, and am trying to file my taxes and claim my education expenses. Well, I emailed TD and asked them about a 1098-T form that I'm supposed to receive in the mail, and they said that since technically they're not a college, they don't send them out. I contacted my friend that's an auditor for the state and he's looking into it. I was just wondering that since I have my receipt, if it's ok to go ahead and claim the expenses.

[Broncojohnny]

If in doubt, claim it, even if it is wrong they may not question it.

[jdgregory84]

If in doubt, claim it, even if it is wrong they may not question it.

That's kinda what I was thinking.

I contacted a live agent on IRS.gov and she sent me a PDF file saying what qualifies and what doesn't. It said courses that don't merit college credit do not qualify, but training division is done through Hill College (that's where you go for boot camp) and I know that they give college credit to EMT.

I'm thinking fuck it and I'm just gonna claim it. I think when I was 18 I was able to claim like $800 in education expenses for books that I paid for and it was never questioned.

[jdgregory84]

Went ahead and claimed it. For $950 in tuition I should get $190 back. Not horrible. Wonder if it would've been more if I had a 1098 from a normal school? According to turbotax my audit risk is very low so I'm crossing my fingers. Gimme my moneyz Obamers!

[yellowstang]

Can't it be claimed as "expenses not reimbursed by your employer", if they say they don;t cover that type of class?

[Broncojohnny]

They probably won't even look twice at it. They don't have enough people to even question shit like that.

[pattymelt3605]

Topic 513 - Educational Expenses
You may be able to deduct work–related educational expenses paid during the year as an itemized deduction on Form 1040, Schedule A. To be deductible, your expenses must be for education that (1) maintains or improves your job skills, or (2) is required by your employer or by law to keep your salary, status or job. However, even if the education meets either of these tests, the education cannot be part of a program that will qualify you for a new trade or business, or needed to meet the minimal educational requirements of your trade or business.

Although the education must relate to your present work, educational expenses incurred during temporary absence from your job may be deductible. However, after your temporary absence, you must return to the same kind of work. Usually, absence from work for one year or less is considered temporary.

Expenses that can be deducted include:

Tuition, books, supplies, lab fees, and similar items
Certain transportation and travel costs, and
Other educational expenses, such as the cost of research and typing
If you are an employee, you generally must complete Form 2106 (PDF) or Form 2106-EZ (PDF). Educational expenses are deducted as miscellaneous itemized deductions on Form 1040 Schedule A; they are subject to the 2% of adjusted gross income limit. For more information on the 2% limit, refer to Publication 529 and/or Form 1040, Schedule A Instructions.

http://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc513.html

[jdgregory84]

Topic 513 - Educational Expenses
You may be able to deduct work–related educational expenses paid during the year as an itemized deduction on Form 1040, Schedule A. To be deductible, your expenses must be for education that (1) maintains or improves your job skills, or (2) is required by your employer or by law to keep your salary, status or job. However, even if the education meets either of these tests, the education cannot be part of a program that will qualify you for a new trade or business, or needed to meet the minimal educational requirements of your trade or business.

Although the education must relate to your present work, educational expenses incurred during temporary absence from your job may be deductible. However, after your temporary absence, you must return to the same kind of work. Usually, absence from work for one year or less is considered temporary.

Expenses that can be deducted include:

Tuition, books, supplies, lab fees, and similar items
Certain transportation and travel costs, and
Other educational expenses, such as the cost of research and typing
If you are an employee, you generally must complete Form 2106 (PDF) or Form 2106-EZ (PDF). Educational expenses are deducted as miscellaneous itemized deductions on Form 1040 Schedule A; they are subject to the 2% of adjusted gross income limit. For more information on the 2% limit, refer to Publication 529 and/or Form 1040, Schedule A Instructions.

http://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc513.html

Thanks Patrick, I was gonna call you but lost your number since switching phones. Obviously, an EMT certification has nothing to do with being a service writer, but I quit writing before enrolling in the class. TurboTax said that books weren't applicable, which is fine, because I can't find the receipt for my book.

Ever get that house started in Southlake?

[LS1Goat]

I claimed all my school related expenditures (minus gas) in Paramedic school. You should be eligible for education credits. I don't remember how I went about doing that as it's been too long. I think I consulted the Financial Aid Dept.

I recommend using TurboTax. It will give you info and all possible options regarding paying schooling. I don't know about this not being a college business, but you are training for a vocation. And you'll definitely have some eligibility if you are full time i.e. 12 hours/semester

Talk to your Financial Aid rep. at wherever you are attending class. They should be able to help walk you through this process.

[jdgregory84]

I claimed all my school related expenditures (minus gas) in Paramedic school. You should be eligible for education credits. I don't remember how I went about doing that as it's been too long. I think I consulted the Financial Aid Dept.

I recommend using TurboTax. It will give you info and all possible options regarding paying schooling. I don't know about this not being a college business, but you are training for a vocation. And you'll definitely have some eligibility if you are full time i.e. 12 hours/semester

Talk to your Financial Aid rep. at wherever you are attending class. They should be able to help walk you through this process.

Like I said before, I already claimed it. I doubt I'll have any problems. If I do, I have my receipt saved on my computer. I couldn't find where how many credits TD gave(if any) for the EMT class, but I had all my paperwork from TCC where I thought about signing up for and it said 6 hours, so I filed for "at least part time."

[LS1Goat]

Like I said before, I already claimed it. I doubt I'll have any problems. If I do, I have my receipt saved on my computer. I couldn't find where how many credits TD gave(if any) for the EMT class, but I had all my paperwork from TCC where I thought about signing up for and it said 6 hours, so I filed for "at least part time."

If the school is accredited, then I wouldn't worry about it. I'm sure you'll get the tax break you're looking for. And programs like TurboTax can also give you information about education credits.

[holymoly]

I am unemployed but have used Career Coach for resume and interview skills training.

Is this considered a valid tax deduction?

P.S. I am in Toronto, Canada

[lowthreeohz]

Do you really think anyone on this board would give 2 fucks about Canadian tax law?

PS. The answer is No.

[mustangguy289]

Should have claimed 4000 and got 2500 back.

[holymoly]

Do you really think anyone on this board would give 2 fucks about Canadian tax law?

PS. The answer is No.

Sorry I cam to a fucking Yankee board, jerk.

Good luck looking for WMDs.

ASSHOLE