Qualifying Work-Related Education
You can deduct the costs of qualifying work-related education as business expenses. This is education that meets at least one of the following two tests:
The education is required by your employer or the law to keep your present salary, status or job. The required education must serve a bona fide business purpose of your employer. Think Continuing Education for CPA's
The education maintains or improves skills needed in your present work. . Again, think Continuing Education for CPA's
However, even if the education meets one or both of the above tests, it is not qualifying work-related education if it:
Is needed to meet the minimum educational requirements of your present trade or business or
Is part of a program of study that will qualify you for a new trade or business. Think CPA Review Course Material
You can deduct the costs of qualifying work-related education as a business expense even if the education could lead to a degree.
Education Required by Employer or by Law
Education you need to meet the minimum educational requirements for your present trade or business is not qualifying work-related education. Once you have met the minimum educational requirements for your job, your employer or the law may require you to get more education. This additional education is qualifying work-related education if all three of the following requirements are met. Think Masters Degree for a School Teacher
It is required for you to keep your present salary, status or job.
The requirement serves a business purpose of your employer.
The education is not part of a program that will qualify you for a new trade or business.
When you get more education than your employer or the law requires, the additional education can be qualifying work-related education only if it maintains or improves skills required in your present work.
Education to Maintain or Improve Skills
If your education is not required by your employer or the law, it can be qualifying work-related education only if it maintains or improves skills needed in your present work. This could include refresher courses, courses on current developments and academic or vocational courses.
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