Can I deduct courses I take as a business expense

Can I deduct courses I take as a business expense?
I'm looking to take some computer courses in the fall to gain some additional experience in web design, which will hopefully make me more interesting to potential employers and/or expand my freelance capabilities. Is this something that I can write off as a business expense and is there a limit to how much I can spend on these courses?
United States - 7 Answers

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1
No, sorry. Only classes required by your employer are deductible.


2
no, because the are not required for you to keep your job.


3
I think the previous answers are misguided. I'm not sure what it would be classified as on your schedule C if its your business. But on the 1040 personal return, you can deduct classes from an accredited college. There are some tax credits you might have available too, but be careful there, because there is a type of credit that you can only use twice.


4
If you aren't currently a web designer, no they aren't deductible. If you are, then maybe but not enough info to tell.


5
I would say that any courses you take to enhance your business skills are tax deductible (as professional education expense) if you are self employed. Any course that helps you maintain or gain increased knowledge in your career is tax deductible also as an employee, I believe. Check with your tax preparer and also ask about using the course expense as it relates to job search/marketability expense.


6
if you can itemize, yes you can deduct education expenses to improve your current employment but it is not a business expense if you are not operating a business, if you are, yes, the courses to improve your skills would be deductible


7
No. Yes, only if the courses are for improving your skill in your existing business.