I bought the CS major a laptop. Is that tax deductible?

Parents Forum
1

While I’m wrapping up my taxes - it occurred to me that I bought a laptop for S1 the CS major.
Does anyone know if that’s tax deductible? I find the comment from Turbo Tax ambiguous.
Anyone on the parents forum have insight? I went to the CS department’s web site and they advise
on the type of computer you should buy which seems to imply you need one.

https://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tools/tax-tips/Tax-Deductions-and-Credits/Can-I-Deduct-My-Computer-for-School-on-Taxes-/INF14237.html

2

https://www.irs.gov/uac/tax-benefits-for-education-information-center

3

No.

4

If you have a 529 plan, a computer is one of the things you can spend those funds on tax-free. However, the other education tax benefits do not cover computers AFAIK.

5

Hmmm, my accountant thought the computer was deductible, but appreciated, like a car.

6

In what category would it be deductible? It’s not a moving expense, a job-hunting expense, a medical expense… It’s not a charitable contribution or local tax payment… I personally have found that many accountants know less than they pretend to know. I learn more reading the IRS forms or listening to TurboTax. Like @AroundHere said, you can spend 529 money on it as a qualified expense.