can you claim tuition paid to an unaccredited program?

[einmusiker]

I have a relative that paid 10000 dollars in tuition to the lee Strasburg school of acting in NYC. Can this be claimed for tuition credit on federal taxes?

 

[mobilehaathi]

Ask a tax professional.

 

[Jessica Lares]

Does the school not give you a paper with the amount paid to do so? There is an ID number that has to be specified when you file.

 

[tekboi]

Um... Yea... pretty sure this is not the best place to be asking Tax questions.

 

[einmusiker]

Does the school not give you a paper with the amount paid to do so? There is an ID number that has to be specified when you file.

She did not get a 1098-t but the TurboTax software says it is not required to claim the education credit she has receipts for tuition paid. What we are really wondering is if she can claim the American opportunity credit (formerly the hope credit) as it will make a big difference in refund

 

[maflynn]

As others have stated, ask a tax professional - you do not want to take chances on deductions and incurring the wrath of the IRS. At the very least call the IRS, they offer great help on this sort of stuff.

Asking tax advise on an internet forum is not the best approach to do your (or your relative's) taxes.

 

[rdowns]

Does the LSSoA offer some kind of certificate or recognized credential? That's the question. Check with the school, they may know.

http://www.irs.gov/uac/American-Opportunity-Tax-Credit:-Questions-and-Answers

Q

12. Who is an eligible student for the American opportunity tax credit?
A. For the American opportunity tax credit, an eligible student is a student who: (1) is enrolled in a program leading toward a degree, certificate or other recognized post-secondary educational credential; (2) has not completed the first four years of post-secondary education as of the beginning of the taxable year; (3) for at least one academic period is carrying at least ½ of the normal full-time work load for the course of study the student is pursuing; and (4) has not been convicted of a felony drug offense.