Can a purchase of a computer for school be deducted on taxes?

Answer 1

Yes this is possible as an adjustment to income using the 1040 income tax return on page 1 line 34 Tuition and Fees deduction (Attach form 8917). IF all of the rules are met by the taxpayer to be a qualified student at a qualified education institution in the 2009 or 2010 tax year.

For 2009 and 2010, qualified education expenses include expenses paid or incurred for the purchase of computer technology, equipment, and internet access to be used by the beneficiary and his or her family while enrolled at an eligible educational institution.

Qualified expenses include ordinary and necessary expenses paid in connection with books, supplies, equipment (including computer equipment, software, and services), and other materials used in the classroom.

Qualified expenses do not include expenses for home schooling or for nonathletic supplies for courses in health or physical education.

For more information about the rules that have to be met and the form 8917 that you will have to use for the Tuition and fees deduction on line of the 1040 tax form go to the IRS gov web site and use the search box for Publication 17 go to chapter 19 Education- Related Adjustments

Also use the search box at IRS gov for the FORM 8917