If I'm a music major, can I claim my private music lessons as an education expense when I file my taxes?

Question

I'm going to school for music education and am seeing a private teacher for voice & piano lessons. Is this tax deductible?

Additional Details

It's only $94/month. Would it even make a big difference in my tax situation?

Bostonian.... I'm not talking about education credits. I'm talking about when I file my taxes at the end of the year. Can I claim my lessons as an education EXPENSE?

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker

The private lessons aren't eligible for education credits unless they are through the school, and even then, there are other requirements.

If you are already making money in music, acting, or voice over (commercials, cartoons, etc.) then the private lessons may be deductible as business expenses. Then it would depend on how you are paid. If you are considered self employed, then you would include the lessons as an expense on your Schedule C. If you are an employee of a business, then you can only deduct expenses if they exceed 2% of your total income. (There are other expenses in the same category. The total of everything must exceed the 2% threshold.)

I hope this helps.
Gary

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Asker's Comment:

Thanks!

Answer 2

Seems reasonable to me. It will translate into approximately $100 of real benefit to you at the end of the year.

Answer 3

Not unless it's done through a school that's eligible for FAFSA financial aid. If it is, might be eligible expense for an education credit.

Answer 4

Private tutoring is not eligible for educational credits even for a degree candidate. If you paid for it as part of your tuition directly to the school that would be another matter but if you pay the private tutor directly, no dice.

Answer 5

I can't imagine where you would claim it, you more than likely are using standard deduction, you are not in the business of anything to do with music and this is not improving your work skills, because you don't have a occupation in the music field, yet