1 min read

American Opportunity Tax Credit and Lifetime Learning Credit Deductions

Most colleges and universities will be back in session this month which reminds us to think about the possible tax deductions and credits available for education expenses. There are now two main credits available, the American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC) and Lifetime Learning Credit (LLC). The maximum credit or benefit for these is $2,500 (AOTC) and $2,000 (LLC).

Unfortunately the deduction for Tuition and Fees expired at the end of 2013 and is no longer available. However the AOTC and LLC are very beneficial credits that should be utilized. The AOTC is limited to 4 tax years per eligible student however the LLC does not have a limit on the numbers of years the credit may be claimed. The LLC is also more flexibility regarding the type of expenses which can be counted as eligible. The LLC eligible expenses do not have to be related to pursuing a post-secondary degree. Visit the IRS Tax Benefits for Education: Information Center for more information on these two deductions at http://www.irs.gov/uac/Tax-Benefits-for-Education:-Information-Center

posted by Myron Fisher, CPA

2 min read

Take small-business tax credits where credits are due

Tax credits reduce tax liability dollar-for-dollar, making them particularly valuable. Two available credits are especially for small businesses that...

Read More

2 min read

2 tax credits just for small businesses may reduce your 2017 and 2018 tax bills

Tax credits reduce tax liability dollar-for-dollar, potentially making them more valuable than deductions, which reduce only the amount of income...

Read More

1 min read

Stretch your college student’s spending money with the dependent tax credit

If you’re the parent of a child who is age 17 to 23, and you pay all (or most) of his or her expenses, you may be surprised to learn you’re not...

Read More