<p>I know that some education-related expenses are tax deductible. </p>
<p>What about expenses directly related to visiting colleges, books about the process, transportation to interviews, etc?</p>
<p>What do you think?
Thank you -</p>
<p>I'm no expert but it looks like per the IRS only expenses incurred while enrolled are deductible. However, I would strongly suggest that you pay for such expenses out of any money being held in your child's name in order to reduce their balances for financial aid positioning.</p>
<p>money I pay for tutoring to supplant the "education" that my public school daughter needed isn't even deductible.
I am pretty sure voluntary expenses like travel and books aren't deductible.
Does sound like a good idea to pay for them out of students accounts though, since it is going to benefit student</p>
<p>OK - Thanks folks</p>
<p>This is not legal or financial advice, as I am a lay person...but,</p>
<p>No, those expenses are not deductable. </p>
<p>And, using kids savings will not do any good, at least not the first year. If you look at the aid forms, the basis year for calculations has already passed. </p>
<p>That's the problem with managing finances to maximize financial aid. By the time we become aware of the problem and fixes, it is already too late.</p>
<p>Actually, my kids are still young. I'm doing research in advance.</p>
<p>As a general rule, you can NOT deduct college search expenses cecause college tuition is considered a personal expense UNLESS the search involves looking for schools that will be needed to handle a medical condition such as severe learning disability, handicap etc. In that case, you might be able to deduct it as a medical expense, just maybe. If you have this situation, I would suggest that someone research this issue.</p>