The definition of “qualifying education expense” differs depending on the educational benefit being claimed on your return.

Room and board are NOT considered a qualifying education expense in the following situations:

• If you are claiming the American Opportunity Tax Credit or Lifetime Learning Credit.
• For purposes of determining how much of your scholarship and fellowship income is tax-free.
• Excluding bond interest when cashed in under an Education Savings Bond Program.

However, you may be able to include room and board as a qualifying education expense in the following situations:

• Education expenses were paid from a Coverdell Education Savings Account (ESA) or Qualified Tuition Program (QTP).
• To meet the exception for additional tax on early IRA distributions.
• Determining how much of your student loan interest is deductible.

Note. In some situations, room and board expenses are only includable if the student was enrolled at least half-time. Additionally, you may need to check with the educational institution to determine the amount paid specifically for room and board. Please see IRS Publication 970 Tax Benefits for Education for additional information.

Related Links

• TaxAct: American Opportunity Credit
• TaxAct: Lifetime Learning Credit
• TaxAct: Scholarships and Fellowships
• TaxAct: Qualified Tuition Programs (QTP or 529 Plan)
• TaxAct: Form 1098-E – Student Loan Interest

Note that any link in the information above is updated each year automatically and will take you to the most recent version of the webpage or document at the time it is accessed.