More Education Questions

[CJane]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? MO

Ok, so on the HR Block online software, there's a page in the education section that asks for tuition/fees (which I have), course materials, room and board if enrolled at least half time.

So my questions:

What qualifies as "course materials"? I'm an online student, and a computer is required. I bought a $400 laptop with my student loans. Does that count?

What qualifies as room and board? I thought it wasn't ever deductible... but if I put in a random amount, it does change the amount of credit applied.

I'm supposed to choose which credit I want to use. This is technically my first year of college (don't know if that matters). Which should I pick? They all allow me the same $ amount of credit.

Help?

 

[LdiJ]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? MO

Ok, so on the HR Block online software, there's a page in the education section that asks for tuition/fees (which I have), course materials, room and board if enrolled at least half time.

So my questions:

What qualifies as "course materials"? I'm an online student, and a computer is required. I bought a $400 laptop with my student loans. Does that count?

What qualifies as room and board? I thought it wasn't ever deductible... but if I put in a random amount, it does change the amount of credit applied.

I'm supposed to choose which credit I want to use. This is technically my first year of college (don't know if that matters). Which should I pick? They all allow me the same $ amount of credit.

Help?

Room and board is only valid if your school is in a midwest disaster county. Since you are an online student, I really wouldn't try to include that.

The American Opportunity credit is likely the one that is the most appropriate for you. Its a 40% refundable credit. The laptop counts as course materials since its required.

 

[CJane]

Room and board is only valid if your school is in a midwest disaster county. Since you are an online student, I really wouldn't try to include that.

I wasn't so much trying to include it as trying to figure out why it was even an option on my lil Q & A since I thought it wasn't ever allowed.

The American Opportunity credit is likely the one that is the most appropriate for you. Its a 40% refundable credit. The laptop counts as course materials since its required.

Thank you!