Education Expenses FAQs

Scarsdale accountant Paul Herman has all the answers to your personal finance questions! The following are frequently asked questions our Westchester CPA firm receives regarding education expenses. Get to know these important financial tips to save as much as possible!

There are many different ways to use tax breaks for the higher education of your children. Be aware that you can only receive one type of relief for one item. It is best to consult with a professional to determine which would be the most advantageous.

You must make a choice between two types of tax education credit.

• The American Opportunity Tax Credit will work for the first 4 years of college for at least full-time study.
• The Lifetime Learning Credit applies for as long as the student studies, but the percentage of savings per year decreases drastically.

An education IRA is different than a standard IRA in these ways:

• Withdrawals aren’t taxed if used for qualified education expenses.
• Contributions can be made only up until the point that the client reaches 18, and all funds must be distributed by the time that they are 30.
• Contributions are not tax deductible

It is possible to have various 530 accounts for the same student, each opened by different family members or friends. There is no limit to the number of people that can open an account like this for a child.

Get to know the expenses that come with education to save as much as possible!

The account can be transferred to another family member at any time. If the original child decides against going to college or is granted a scholarship, another family member can still utilize the money that has been saved.

The Section 529 is a college savings program available in most states. Money is invested to cover the costs of future education. These investments grow tax free and the distributions may also be tax-free.

• The Section 529 allows for much larger yearly investments, whereas the Section 530 currently only allows for $2000 annually.
• The choice of investments in the Section 529 is extremely conservative and limited while the Section 530 allows for many different options.
• The Section 530 is a nationwide program while the 529 varies from state to state.
• The Section 530 will let you use its funds for primary and secondary education, while the Section 529 can only be used for secondary.

Yes, you can take distributions from your IRAs for qualifying education expenses without having to pay the 10% additional tax penalty. You may owe income tax on at least part of the amount distributed, but not the additional penalty. The amount of the distribution that is more than the education expense does not qualify for the 10% tax exception.

There is a limited deduction allowed for higher education and related expenses. In addition, business expense deductions are allowed, without a dollar limit, for education related to the taxpayer’s business, employment included.

In certain instances, yes, although deductions need to adhere to a few guidelines. The deduction is also subject to income phaseouts.

• The deduction ceiling is $2,500.
• If you are a dependant, you may not claim the interest deduction.
• You need to be the person liable for the debt and the loan must be purely for education.

If you are receiving this education to maintain or improve skills at your current job, yes, but not if it is to meet the minimum requirements.

Our Scarsdale tax preparers here at Herman & Company CPA’s are here for all your financial needs. Please contact us for all inquiries and to receive your free personal finance consultation!

Herman and Company CPA’s proudly serves Bedford Hills NY, Chappaqua NY, Pound Ridge NY, Scarsdale NY, Rye NY, Mamaroneck NY, Stamford CT and beyond.