New Tax Relief For Education

New Tax Relief For Education

The Lifetime Learning Credit 2010 gives a tax credit of up to $2,000 dollars for types of higher learning. It differs from the American Opportunity Tax Credit because it can be claimed for part-time students  and even for courses that don’t count towards a degree. This credit has been made available through 2011, 2012, and again this year. Eligible Expenses include Tuition but not room and board, Books, Equipment, and fees that may be required by the University. The Lifetime Earning Credit isn’t eligible with tuition paid fro by a scholarship, employer funds or a grant. Even if multiple students are eligible the Lifetime Learning Credit can only be claimed once a year per household. The tax credit reduces taxes by 20% for non qualified expenses for up to $10,000 dollars for a total of up to $2,000.

A construction project to repair and update th...
A construction project to repair and update the building façade at the Department of Education headquarters in 2002 resulted in the installation of structures at all of the entrances to protect employees and visitors from falling debris. ED redesigned these protective structures to promote the “No Child Left Behind Act”. The structures were temporary and were removed in 2008. Source: U.S. Department of Education, (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

You may claim the credit if you, a dependent or your spouse attends an eligible university or educational institution. even if only one class is taken, the tax credit may be claimed. All accredited colleges and universities are eligible as well as vocational schools as long as their also eligible for the US Department of Education’s Federal Student Aid Programs. Single head of households and qualifying widows earning between $53,000 and $63,000 have been phased out for 2013. If you’re married and filing jointly, the phase amount is $107,000 to $127,000. This amount is up from 2012’s phase out range of $52,000 to $62,000 for qualifying widows and single, head of household and a range of $104,000 to $124,000 for Married couples filing jointly.

Many Families And Indivduals Are Eligible For Tax Credits

WASHINGTON – OCTOBER 13: U.S. President Barack Obama speaks during a Rose Garden event about the American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC) October 13, 2010 at the White House in Washington, DC. Obama had a meeting with college students and their families on American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC) and he urged the Congress to extend college tax credits. (Image credit: Getty Images via @daylife)

The 2010 tax year offered many deductions and credits for those who chose to itemize their deductions. That is good news for many taxpayer’s but the better news is that there are some new 2011 tax credits that many people may not be aware of, and better still some of these credits can be used even if you do not itemize on your tax return. One credit that some of us might overlook is an energy tax deduction.

The energy credit can be taken up ten percent on a project with a five-hundred dollar cap. It can be used on anything from gas, electric or oil water heaters to energy star windows. check with your tax professional or the IRS for information on energy related deductions and credits.

Other credit that might be overlooked are Education Incentives. One such deduction under this heading would be the American Opportunity Tax Credit. This is a credit of up to $2500.00 of the cost of tuition and related expenses. This also includes the cost of materials. There is also a deduction or credit for the interest paid on a student loan.

There are many credits for families that are worth looking into. Child tax credit as well as Dependant Care Tax credit. Dependant Care Credit allows a taxpayer credit for a percentage of childcare expenses for children under the age of 13 or disabled dependants.