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The Daily Insight

Can I claim education expenses on my taxes?

Author

Mia Ramsey

Published Feb 11, 2026

If you are self-employed, you deduct your expenses for qualifying work-related education directly from your self-employment income. Your work-related education expenses may also qualify you for other tax benefits, such as the the American opportunity credit, tuition and fees deduction and the lifetime learning credit.

What type of expense is education?

Education expenses are legitimate business expenses. But there are still some qualifications that must be met before these expenses are fully deductible to your business. This article looks at four questions: Which of these benefits are deductible as business expenses?

What are qualifying education expenses?

A qualified education expense is money you spend for college tuition, enrollment fees, and any other expenses that are required for you to attend or enroll in an educational program at an eligible educational institution. An example of another cost that may qualify is a student activity fee that all students must pay.

What are non educational expenses?

Non-qualified education expenses include the cost of:

  • Room and board,
  • Travel,
  • Research,
  • Clerical help, or.
  • Equipment and other expenses that are not required for enrollment in or attendance at an eligible educational institution.

    What kind of taxes do you pay when you withdraw from an education savings account?

    After all, the whole point is that money saved in these accounts is tax-free when withdrawn for certain education expenses, known as a Qualified Education Expense, or QEE, as specified in IRS Publication 970.

    Are there any expenses that do not qualify as education expenses?

    Expenses that Do Not Qualify. Even if you pay the following expenses to enroll or attend the school, the following are not qualified education expenses: Room and board. Insurance. Medical expenses (including student health fees) Transportation.

    Can You claim credit for tax free education expenses?

    You cannot claim a credit for education expenses paid with tax-free funds. You must reduce the amount of expenses paid with tax-free grants, scholarships and fellowships and other tax-free education help.

    What can I do with my education savings account?

    Two education savings accounts are available to K-12 and college students (as well as those paying for someone’s education). The accounts allow you to save money for school expenses and withdraw funds tax-free: