Education expenses

[Margaret CPA in OH]

Client (nephew) is retired military who has an associate's degree from Community College of the Air Force obtained in 1996.  Upon being downsized recently from a civilian job, he obtained a small grant/scholarship to return to school (regular university) to complete his undergraduate degree. 

 

The Comm College is a federally chartered degree granting institution.  He never took any deductions for education expenses (I think this preceded same).  I think he still qualifies for AOC for at least 2 tax years or would it be up to 4 if it takes him that long?  The grant helped a lot but there were still expenses that could fall under AOC.  Lifetime Learning works but I think AOC is better.

 

Comments?

 

 

[Gail in Virginia]

I think that as long as he working on his first 4year degree, has no drug convictions, and otherwise qualifies, he can take AOC.  If he previously had a bachelor's degree, then he would not even if he did not use up his four years of AOC.  As far as taking it over 4 years, as long a he is considered at least a half-time student, should work. IMO.

[Margaret CPA in OH]

Thanks, Lion.  I love it when someone else agrees with my thinking.  He qualifies on all counts.  It's just that he's 50.  No 4 year degree but had some secret type job in the air force so kind of technical. 

 

With 2 sons also in college now, every little bit helps!

[Lion EA]

I always take compliments, but it was Gail !!

[Margaret CPA in OH]

Oh my!  So very sorry, Gail!  Obviously my brain and fingers were not coordinating on that one.  Lion, I then take it that you agree as well?

 

Hey, we're all friends here, one big, mostly happy, family.  I know my mother constantly called me by my sister's name.  I think it happens in larger families like this one.

[Lion EA]

I do think he's fine for AOC from what you say.