Tax Deductions for Nursing Students

Can I Claim Work Related Expenses?

Nursing uniforms, non-slip nursing shoes, protective gear, tools, equipment, or other work-related clothing and supplies required for your nursing job or nursing course are deductible. So is the cost of laundering and maintaining them. Professional membership fees, professional journal subscriptions, nursing license renewal fee, malpractice insurance premiums, union dues, and some additional deductions available to travel nurses are all examples of deductible work related expenses. Be sure to save your receipts!

In general, work related expenses can be deducted - but only if you itemize your deductions. This is not as straight-forward as you might assume, as it is usually only beneficial to itemize your deductions if your itemized deductions exceed your standard deduction. To determine which type of deduction will be of greater benefit to you, you will need to add up all of your expenses and see how this figure compares to your standard deduction.

Deducting Education Related Expenses

While you can`t deduct the cost of the initial nursing education that allows you to become a nurse in the first place, the good news is that you can deduct the cost of any additional education that you engage in to further your nursing career. Generally speaking, you need to be able to prove that you are improving your qualifications for either maintaining your job skills or improving them to get a better nursing position in order to meet the criteria for deducing education expenses.

This means that expenses you incur for required seminars, nursing continuing education courses required to maintain your license, tuition for an advanced nursing degree, or nursing certificate programs that you pay yourself are eligible for a tax deduction. You can claim a deduction for the cost of any course fees, books, stationery, internet connection, telephone calls, tools or equipment and travelling to and from work-related training courses.

The cost of parking, tolls, taxis and public transport if you are required to travel to attend seminars, conferences, meetings and training courses not held at your usual place of work, or between 2 or more jobs (if you need to stay away overnight you can also claim for the cost of all meals and your accommodation) can also be taken as a deduction.

Generally, the cost of further education that is intended to improve your existing job skills is subject to a 2% limitation status however, even if you don`t itemize you can claim up to $4,000 of qualified higher education expenses (tuition, books, fees, laptop), and up to $2,500 of student loan interest.

Tax Credits For Nursing Students

1. The American Opportunity Credit: A partially refundable tax credit tax credit of up to $2,500 of the cost of qualified tuition and related expenses such as books, supplies and equipment paid during 2009 and 2010. Eligible taxpayers will receive a tax credit based on 100 percent of the first $2,000 of tuition, fees and course materials paid during the taxable year, plus 25 percent of the next $2,000 of tuition, fees and course materials paid during the taxable year. A taxpayer who pays qualified tuition and related expenses and whose federal income tax return has a modified adjusted gross income of $80,000 or less ($160,000 or less for joint filers) is eligible for the credit. The credit is reduced ratably if a taxpayer?s modified adjusted gross income exceeds those amounts. A taxpayer whose modified adjusted gross income is greater than $90,000 ($180,000 for joint filers) cannot benefit from this credit. Note: You cannot claim the tuition and fees tax deduction in the same year that you claim the American opportunity tax credit or the lifetime learning credit.

2. The HOPE Scholarship: For 2009 and 2010, the HOPE tax credit has been temporarily replaced by the American Opportunity Tax Credit, which has some more favorable benefits. Until it officially resumes, only families who have a minimum of one student enrolled in an eligible higher education institution in a Midwestern disaster area can apply.

For those who are eligible to currently apply, the $3,600 credit (per student) applies to the first two years of undergraduate study at an eligible institution on at least a half-time basis. It is non-refundable, which means that it can only be applied to tax that you owe. If your family is eligible to apply for the HOPE credit, you cannot also apply for the American Opportunity tax credit for any other students in the household.

To be eligible for the HOPE tax credit in 2009, your modified AGI needed to be $60,000 or less if you were filing alone or $120,000 if you were filing jointly. The actual amount that you receive may be less than $3,600 as factors such as your income, higher education expenses and the number of eligible students in your family are taken into account. To receive the tax credit, you need to owe taxes and file a tax return. If you are claimed as a dependent on the tax return of a spouse or parent, they must apply for the credit.

3. The Lifetime Learning Tax Credit: If you don`t qualify for the HOPE or American Opportunity tax credits, you may be eligible for the Lifetime Learning tax credit. This is less generous but is open to a greater number of students. To be eligible, you need to be enrolled in a study program at an eligible post-secondary institution but this is not restricted to degree programs. Like the HOPE tax credit, it is non-refundable and can only be applied to your taxable income to reduce the amount of tax that you owe.

Whereas the HOPE and American Opportunity tax credits have a per student threshold, the Lifetime Learning tax credit is limited to $2,000 per tax return. This rises to a maximum of $4,000 if one or more members of the family are enrolled in an institution in the Midwestern disaster area. To be eligible for the tax credit in 2009, your modified AGI needed to be $60,000 or less if you were filing alone or $120,000 if you were filing jointly.

These tax deductions and tax credits have helped thousands of nurses and nursing students reduce their income tax bills, so why not see what you`re entitled to?

Learn More About Nursing Degree Programs
Achieve the education you need to turn your nursing career goals into reality by requesting program information from nursing schools that offer accredited nursing degree programs that match your needs:

Explore Online Nursing Programs, Explore Nursing Schools By State

The College Network

Online

Start your nursing career with The College Network. Earn your NLNAC/CCNE Accredited nursing degree online from one of our partner universities: Regis University, Indiana State University, Angelo State University and more at 1/2 the cost and time of traditional universities with no campus attendance, no wait list and local clinicals.

Programs:

• LPN/LVN to RN - AS in Nursing (Licensed LPN/LVNs only)
• LPN/LVN to RN - BS in Nursing - Indiana St. - (Licensed LPN/LVNs only)
• Paramedic to RN

University of Phoenix

Campus

As the largest private university in North America, University of Phoenix has more than 200 locations, and is available online in most countries around the world. Whether you're seeking a college degree at an associate's, bachelor's, master's, or doctoral level, we can help you reach your academic goal—and sooner than you might think.

Programs:

• M.S. in Nursing
• MS in Nursing (RN Required)
• BS in Nursing (RN Required)

Campus Locations:

Fresno
Livermore
Murrieta
Diamond Bar
Fairfield
Pasadena
Oakland
Gardena
Roseville
Salida
Costa Mesa
Sacramento
Lathrop
Ontario
Los Angeles
Online
San Francisco
Elk Grove
Bakersfield
San Jose
Rancho Cordova
Lancaster
Woodland Hills
Palm Desert

Walden University

Online

Balance your personal and professional commitments while earning a respected Ph.D., master's degree, or bachelor's degree online at Walden University. Programs offered in management, education, psychology and health and human services.

Programs:

• B.S. in Nursing (BSN)
• Post-Masters Certificates in Nursing - Nursing Education
• Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.) - General

Roseman University

Online

The USN accelerated online program offers accelerated nursing education that allows you to earn a BSN in just 14 months. This new program blends the personal convenience of online course study with enriching clinical learning in Henderson, Nevada.

Programs:

• Accelerated BSN

University of St. Mary

Online

Give your career a boost with University of Saint Mary. We offer online degree programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels to help make your educational and professional goals a reality.

Programs:

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Kaplan College - KHE

Campus

Don't wait another day to take the next step forward in your career. Kaplan College can give you the real-world knowledge and skills you need to succeed in your chosen field.

Programs:

• Diploma: Vocational Nursing
• Diploma: Nurse Assistant Training Program
• Diploma: Patient Care Assistant/Technician

Campus Locations:

San Diego
Vista
Bakersfield
Stockton
Chula Vista

Chamberlain College of Nursing

Campus

Take the first step toward advancing your nursing career. Chamberlain College of Nursing offers a highly respected degree coupled with clinical learning experience in your local area.

Programs:

• Master of Science in Nursing
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN)

Campus Locations:

Addison

American Career College

Campus

American Career College (ACC) offers hands-on training that will prepare students for careers in the healthcare industry at three campuses in Los Angeles, Ontario, and Orange County, California. ACC's programs combine classroom lectures and hands-on training to prepare students for a Diploma or Associate of Occupational Science degree.

Programs:

• Vocational Nursing
• Medical Assistant
• Associate of Occupational Science in Respiratory Therapy

Campus Locations:

Anaheim
Los Angeles
Ontario

California College San Diego

Campus

California College San Diego (CCSD) offers degree programs in Medical Specialties, Respiratory Therapy, Healthcare Administration, Business Management and Accounting, Computer Technology and Networking, Computer Programming, and Computer Science. Online programs are offered by our affiliated college, Stevens-Henager College, Salt Lake City/Murray.

Programs:

• Bachelor of Science Completion in Nursing (Online)
• Master of Science in Nursing Education (Online)
• Bachelor of Science Completion in Nursing Administration

Campus Locations:

San Marcos
National City
San Diego

West Coast University

Campus

Achieve your educational and professional goals with help from West Coast University. We offer accelerated Health Care Administration degrees designed for working adults like you.

Programs:

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing
• LVN to BSN
• RN to BSN

Campus Locations:

Ontario
Anaheim

Santa Barbara Business College

Campus

California is home to beautiful landscapes, a diverse population and countless things to do. Santa Barbara Business College is a California technical school that helps people just like you learn skills for their career. After all, without a good career, it can be difficult to enjoy all the wonderful things California has to offer.

SBBCollege is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools. For information on graduation rates, median debt of graduates who completed these programs and other important information, visit http://www.sbbcollege.edu/consumerinformation/disclosures.php. SBBCollege offers financial aid to those who qualify.

Programs:

• Vocational Nursing
• Medical Assisting Diploma
• Medical Assisting Associate

Campus Locations:

Santa Maria
Rancho Mirage
Santa Barbara
Ventura

Career Colleges of America

Campus

Get your career started with Career Colleges of America. We have four campuses in the Los Angeles area offering a wide variety of allied health training programs.

Programs:

• Vocational Nurse
• Nurse Assistant
• Medical Assistant

Campus Locations:

San Bernardino
Gardena
Los Angeles
South Gate

Carrington College California

Campus

Carrington College California offers the programs you need to begin a career in healthcare. Choose from Healthcare, Massage Therapy, Dental Assisting, Pharmacy Technology, or Veterinary Services.

Programs:

• AS in Vocational Nursing
• Certificate in Vocational Nursing
• AS in Registered Nursing

Campus Locations:

San Jose
Sacramento
San Leandro
Antioch
Stockton
Citrus Heights
Pleasant Hill
Emeryville

Intercoast Colleges

Campus

Get your career started with Intercoast Colleges. We offer a number of certificate programs in a variety of fields, including medical, allied health, massage therapy, nursing, and electrical training.

Programs:

• Vocational Nursing
• Medical Assistant

Campus Locations:

Fairfield
Orange
Elk Grove
West Covina

Institute of Technology

Campus

You can get started on a new career with Institute of Technology. We offer diploma and associate degree programs for careers in the culinary, technical, medical, business, and legal fields.

For more information about our graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed the program, and other important information, please visit our website at www.it-colleges.edu/disclosure

Programs:

• Vocational Nursing-Diploma
• Medical Billing/Coding Specialist
• Professional Medical Assistant

Campus Locations:

Redding
Clovis
Stockton
Modesto

Charter College

Campus

You can prepare for a new career with help from Charter College. Our accelerated Bachelors Degree, Associates Degree, and Certificate programs are designed to help you complete your education as quickly as possible. We offer year-round classes and flexible scheduling - study anytime from anywhere. We provide students not only with the technical skills necessary for success, but also job search and placement assistance so you can find new opportunities after graduation.

Programs:

• Diploma - Vocational Nursing
• Diploma - Medical Assistant
• Certificate - Medical Assistant

Campus Locations:

Canyon Country
Lancaster
Oxnard
Long Beach

Grand Canyon University

Campus

Don't Miss a Day of Your Future! Grand Canyon University is offering Bachelor and Master degrees through our College of Education, Ken Blanchard College of Business, College of Nursing & Health Sciences, College of Liberal Arts, and College of Entrepreneurship. Classes start soon!

Programs:

• M.S. in Nursing: Health Care Informatics (Bridge)
• M.S. in Nursing: Health Care Informatics
• M.S. in Nursing: Public Health (Bridge)

Campus Locations:

Phoenix

Summit College

Campus

Get your career started with an education from Summit College. We offer programs in legal office assisting, licensed vocational nursing, office administration, administrative and clinical medical assisting, medical billing and coding, dental assisting, and accounting assisting.

Programs:

• Licensed Vocational Nurse

Campus Locations:

Colton
Anaheim

Keiser University

Campus

Keiser University eCampus Online offers degrees in fields that are in high demand and provides job placement assistance to all its students and alumni.

Programs:

• Nursing, MS
• Medical Assisting, AS
• Health Services Administration, AA (Online)

Campus Locations:

Fort Lauderdale

Stratford Career Institute

Online

Stratford Career Institute can help you earn your diploma from home in as little as six months, thanks to their proven study methods.

Programs:

• Health Care Aide
• Medical Office Assistant

CBD College

Campus

Get career training with CBD College. We offer an associate degree in vocational nursing, plus diploma programs for careers in the fields of medical massage therapy/physical therapy, pharmacy tech, surgical technology, and vocational nursing.

Programs:

• Associate of Applied Sciences in Vocational Nursing
• Vocational Nursing

Campus Locations:

Los Angeles

Saint Xavier University

Campus

Saint Xavier University is a Catholic, coeducational, comprehensive university focused on the liberal arts, and offering undergraduate and graduate degree programs to students across the country.

Programs:

• MSN in Clinical Leadership
• MSN in Executive Leadership
• Nurse Educator Certificate

Campus Locations:

Chicago

Everest College

Campus

Develop the skills to succeed in today's highly competitive business environment. Everest College can prepare you for a rewarding career in some of today's hottest fields.

Programs:

• Diploma - Medical Assistant
• Medical General
• Diploma - Medical Administrative Assistant

Campus Locations:

Santa Ana
Reseda
Ontario
LA Puente
Hayward
Alhambra
San Francisco
San Bernardino
San Jose
Torrance
Los Angeles
Anaheim
Gardena

Saint Peter's College

Online

Saint Peter's College has prepared its students for academic excellence and professional success for over one hundred years. Our dedicated faculty and staff are committed to providing each student with the opportunity for educational and spiritual enrichment. That same commitment to individual support is now available to learners everywhere via the new online degree programs offered by the College.

Programs:

• RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Platt College

Campus

Turn your talents into a career. Nationally recognized and accredited Platt College offers degree programs in Graphic Design, Multimedia, IT Networking and Paralegal.

Programs:

• Medical Assisting
• Medical Administrative Specialist
• Respiratory Therapy Associate of Science

Campus Locations:

Ontario
Alhambra
Riverside

Heald College

Campus

Heald College offers 18-month associate degree programs that will prepare you for a career in Business, Technology, or Healthcare. Small class sizes, hands-on instruction.

Programs:

• Medical Assisting
• Medical Office Administration

Campus Locations:

Hayward
Salida
Salinas
Roseville
Fresno
Concord
Milpitas
San Francisco
Rancho Cordova
Stockton

UEI College

Campus

UEI College can give you the real world medical, business, and technology skills you need to start a rewarding career. Let us know how we can assist you with your personal growth by helping you train for your perfect career.

Programs:

• Medical Assistant

Campus Locations:

Gardena
Riverside
Stockton
Fresno
Bakersfield

Milan Institute

Campus

Successful careers begin at the Milan Institute. We offer quality hands-on training, experienced faculty and a staff committed to helping you realize your goals.

Programs:

• Medical Assisting
• Administrative Medical Assistant

Campus Locations:

Indio
Clovis
Visalia
Bakersfield

Empire College

Campus

Empire College, located in Santa Rosa, California, can give you the career training you need to launch or advance your career in the Business, Law, Technology, or Medical fields.

Programs:

• Medical Assisting

Campus Locations:

Santa Rosa

WyoTech

Campus

The career-focused programs at WyoTech can give you the hands-on training you need to succeed. Program areas includemechanics, technician training, and technology.

Programs:

• Medical Assistant
• Medical General

Campus Locations:

Long Beach

Mayfield College

Campus

Give your career a boost with an education from Mayfield College. Our academic programs include medical front office, computer support technician, and general office management.

Programs:

• Medical Assistant

Campus Locations:

Cathedral City