White Nelson Diehl Evans CPAs
Make a Payment Client Log in
Carlsbad, CA
760-729-2343 info@wndecpa.com
Irvine, CA
714-978-1300 info@wndecpa.com
Menu
  • Our Firm
    • Close
    • Our Team
    • Our Impact on the Community
  • Services
    • Close
    • Accounting & Financial
    • Advisory
    • Audit
    • ERISA Audits
    • ESOP
    • Estate & Trust Planning
    • Tax Planning Preparation
    • Tax Services
  • Industries
    • Close
      • Aging Services & CCRC
      • Business Services
      • Construction & Contracting
      • Distribution (Wholesale)
      • Estate & Trust Services
      • Employee Stock Option Plans, ESOP
      • Food & Beverage
      • Franchises
      • Government
      • Healthcare & Medical
      • Leasing & Finance
      • Manufacturing
      • Nonprofit
      • Professional Services
      • Real Estate
      • Retail
      • Retail Fuel Outlets
      • Staffing Agencies
      • Technology
      • Transportation
  • Resources
    • Close
    • Blog
    • E-Guides
  • Locations
  • Careers
    • Close
    • Careers at WNDE
    • Current Opportunities
    • The WNDE Advantage
    • Benefits and Programs
    • Experienced Professionals
    • Students
      • Close
      • Summer Leadership Program
      • Internships
  • Contact Us
  • Make a Payment
  • Client Log in
White Nelson Diehl Evans CPAs
Menu
  • Our Firm
    • Close
    • Our Team
    • Our Impact on the Community
  • Services
    • Close
    • Accounting & Financial
    • Advisory
    • Audit
    • ERISA Audits
    • ESOP
    • Estate & Trust Planning
    • Tax Planning Preparation
    • Tax Services
  • Industries
    • Close
      • Aging Services & CCRC
      • Business Services
      • Construction & Contracting
      • Distribution (Wholesale)
      • Estate & Trust Services
      • Employee Stock Option Plans, ESOP
      • Food & Beverage
      • Franchises
      • Government
      • Healthcare & Medical
      • Leasing & Finance
      • Manufacturing
      • Nonprofit
      • Professional Services
      • Real Estate
      • Retail
      • Retail Fuel Outlets
      • Staffing Agencies
      • Technology
      • Transportation
  • Resources
    • Close
    • Blog
    • E-Guides
  • Locations
  • Careers
    • Close
    • Careers at WNDE
    • Current Opportunities
    • The WNDE Advantage
    • Benefits and Programs
    • Experienced Professionals
    • Students
      • Close
      • Summer Leadership Program
      • Internships
  • Contact Us
  • Make a Payment
  • Client Log in

Tax Savings from Higher Education Costs

vector image graduation cap on pile of moeny
13
Sep
Blog

Money you paid for higher education in 2015 can mean tax savings in 2016. If you, your spouse or your dependent took post-high school coursework last year, there may be a tax credit or deduction for you. Here are some facts from the IRS about key tax breaks for higher education.
The American Opportunity Credit (AOTC) is:

  • Worth up to $2,500 per eligible student.
  • Used only for the first four years at an eligible college or vocational school.
  • For students earning a degree or other recognized credential.
  • For students going to school at least half-time for at least one academic period that started  during or shortly after the tax year. Claimed on your tax return using Form 8863, Education Credits.

The Lifetime Learning Credit (LLC) is:

  • Worth up to $2,000 per tax return, per year, no matter how many students qualify.
  • For all years of higher education, including classes for learning or improving job skills.
  • Claimed on your tax return using Form 8863, Education Credits.

college-studentThe Tuition and Fees Deduction is:

  • Claimed as an adjustment to income.
  • Claimed whether or not you itemize.
  • Limited to tuition and certain related expenses required for enrollment or attendance at eligible schools.
  • Worth up to $4,000.

Additionally:

  • You should receive Form 1098-T, Tuition Statement, from your school by Feb. 1, 2016. Your school also sends a copy to the IRS.
  • You may only claim qualifying expenses paid in 2015.
  • You can’t claim either credit if someone else claims you as a dependent.
  • You can’t claim either AOTC or LLC and the Tuition and Fees Deduction for the same student or for the same expense, in the same year.
  • Income limits could reduce the amount of credits or deductions you can claim.
  • The Interactive Tax Assistant tool on IRS.gov can help you check your eligibility.

IRS Free File. You can use IRS Free File to prepare and e-file your federal tax return for free. File Form 8863, Education Credits, with your Form 1040. Free File is only available at IRS.gov/freefile.
Each and every taxpayer has a set of fundamental rights they should be aware of when dealing with the IRS. These are your Taxpayer Bill of Rights. Explore your rights and our obligations to protect them on IRS.gov.

Additional IRS Resources:

  • Tax Benefits for Education: Information Center
  • Education Credits–AOTC and LLC
  • American Opportunity Tax Credit
  • Lifetime Learning Credit
  • American Opportunity Tax Credit: Questions and Answers
  • Form 8917, Tuition and Fees Deduction
  • Publication 970, Tax Benefits for Education

IRS YouTube Videos:

  • Education Tax Credits – English | Spanish | ASL

IRS Podcasts:
Education Tax Credits – English | Spanish



Categories
  • Blog
  • News
Recent Posts:
  • Tips for Budgeting

    10 Tips for Better Budgeting…

    14 Oct
  • IRS Check

    Still Waiting for the IRS to Cash Your Check?

    14 Oct
  • Unemployment Benefits

    Do You Know Unemployment Benefits Are Taxable?

    14 Oct
  • 1099-NEC

    Ready for the 1099-NEC?

    14 Oct
  • Old Tax Records

    Thinking of Dumping Old Tax Records?

    16 Sep

The 90-year legacy of White Nelson Diehl Evans
is a tribute to the confidence our clients have in us.

White Nelson Diehl Evans LLP.
2875 Michelle Drive, Suite 300
Irvine, California 92606
TEL 714-978-1300

Explore:

  1. WNDE Home
  2. Our Firm
  3. Services
  4. Industries
  5. E-Guides
  6. Locations
  7. Careers
  8. Contact Us

Newsletter

Copyright © 2019. All Rights Reserved.
White Nelson Diehl Evans LLP. 2875 Michelle Drive, Suite 300 Irvine, California 92606 TEL 714-978-1300
Client Login

Forgot password?


[contact-form-7 id=”4250″ title=”Fraud Detection Booklet”]

[contact-form-7 id=”3415″ title=”Tax Planning Guide”]