My university required each incoming freshman to come to school
with their own computer. Is there any way to deduct the cost of the computer
from my tax liability?
The cost of a personal computer is generally a personal expense that is
not deductible. However, if the school bills everyone, as a condition of attendance
or enrollment, for proprietary computer devices and/or software available
no where else, then this may qualify as an expense towards either the Lifetime
Learning Credit or Hope Credit. For more information, refer to Publication 970, Tax
Benefits for Education, chapters 2 and 3.
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