Allison has returned to school after five years out of the work force. She is taking one course at the local university for a cost of $1,500. To maximize her taxes, should she take a tuition and fees deduction or an education credit? (Assume a 15 percent tax rate.)

Allison can maximize her tax benefits by taking the Lifetime Learning Credit which results in a $300 tax credit.

Explanation:

Education credit:

Allison doesn't qualify for the American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC) since that only covers the first four years of college and even if she never attended college before, she would need to be enrolled at least half time.

She qualifies for the Lifetime Learning Credit (LLC) but it only covers 20% of the first $10,000 of expenses, in this case = $1,500 x 20% = $300 benefit

Tuition and fees deduction:

Allison can deduct $1,500 from her gross income = $1,500 x 15% tax rate = $225 benefit

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