Education Credit?

Question

I went to school in 2005. My employer re-embursed the education expenses in Jan 2006 so I didnt file for education credit on 2005 tax return.
I changed my job in Dec 2006 and I had to return the tuition re-embursement money to my employer as it was less than a year(from the date I was re-embursed).

So my question is that Can I file for education credit on 2006 return for education completed in 2005?

Also, Can I file for education credit for a personal training to learn new programming language for which I wasnt re-embursed by my employer?

Please let me know.
Thanks!

Answer 1

What is on your W-2 for 2006? Since you received a reimbursement and repaid it in the same year, it is likely that your W-2 appears as if there never was a reimbursement. I will assume that is the case.

So, I would amend 2005 and take the credit. You can't get the credit for 2006 for education received in 2005.

And get education credit for unreimbursed computer programming training in 2006. If it is work-related, don't forget to add your mileage and parking expenses if any.

Answer 2

Since you attended school in 2005 and paid in 2005, I would file an amended return for 2005. Forget the books. They are eligible only if you were required to buy them from the school.

According to pub 970, it the programming course is eligible, if it was taken at a qualified educational institution. See page 19 of pub 970.

Answer 3

if that's when they pais then yes for 2006---it's from when the job paid for the school---soooo confusing i know

yes, if you paid outta pocket you can claim such on your taxes for college and also books too i believe if you keep the receipts