by urnurse072b

I am preparing my US tax returns and I have a dilemma. Can I deduct my tuition fees and other related expenses for my nursing education in Philippines ( I paid a lot)? Are schools in the Philippines eligible to participate in the student loan/assistance programs in the US? I asked the IRS helpline and they cannot answer me in concrete terms they keep quoting from the general guidelines which of course that does not say anything about foreign institutions or studying abroad.

I know so many Americans study abroad so somebody must know something.. Also, some Filipino students are supported by US tax-payers..What do you people know about this? Please help.. Thank you so much!

Re: Tuition in Phils deductible for US tax returns?

Tuition for the programs in the Philippines are not tax deductible in the US. And a bigger reason is that the tuition has to be for a program that will help to advance your job in the same area that you are in. If going to the Philippines to attend nursing school, then it is not for the same job category that you were in already.

You are looking specifically at a tax break for your schooling and there is not any for you for your training overseas. Remember that most that attend school are not paying taxes in the first place, they are still students.

Programs in the Philippines do not qualify under the loan assistance programs that are in place in the US, those are for US programs only.

Since you have specific questions about what to do for your taxes, suggest that you contact a tax professional for that.

Re: Tuition in Phils deductible for US tax returns?

This is the link from the IRS. It may help in finding your answer.

http://www.irs.gov/publications/p970/ch06.html

Re: Tuition in Phils deductible for US tax returns?

Tuition are not tax-deductible. There are very few schools qualified for loan programs (those with FAFSA codes) and they are filled with local applicants. UST, AUF (angeles), Fatima, Silliman. Some don't even have nursing school like AIM.

Re: Tuition in Phils deductible for US tax returns?

thanks! I truly appreciate the inputs! U guys are awesome!

Re: Tuition in Phils deductible for US tax returns?

Hi,

I asked the same question to our accountant via email and she said, "they're looking into this." Keep your fingers crossed and hope that it will be eligible for credit. I'll keep you posted.

Re: Tuition in Phils deductible for US tax returns?

Sorry, but education for you that is not for advancing the job that you are already in, but for a new career is not deductible in the US. If you are going for additional training to stay in the same field that you are in, then it is deductible for you as an expense. And to go to another country to go to school is normally not deductible.

Going for a semester as part of a program based in the US, is one thing, and with the program in the US for its home base and tuition paid to them is one thing, but as an expense to do all of the training out of the US will not normally be permitted.

Please check with more than this one accountant.

Rule One: If they have to check for further information on this, then that is not a good sign right off the top. This is something that is quite common.