Jackson Hewitt® Schools Students in Commonly Overlooked Education Credits and Deductions

PARSIPPANY, N.J., Aug. 27, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- As students and parents alike prepare for the back to school rush, Jackson Hewitt Tax Service^® the nation's second largest tax preparation firm, reminds taxpayers of important credits and deductions associated with common education expenses.

"The decision to attend an institution of higher education or to send a child to college is a significant financial commitment – perhaps more so now than ever," Mark Steber, chief tax officer at Jackson Hewitt said. "But there is a 'silver lining' that comes in the form of tax benefits for those who qualify, provided that students and their parents know where to look."

Steber reminds students and parents of several common education-related credits and deductions that may serve to increase a tax refund or reduce a liability:

• Student Loan Interest Deduction: With the Federal Reserve identifying student loan debt as the largest form of consumer debt outside of mortgages, it is imperative for taxpayers to fully understand their tax options when it comes to these loans. The student loan interest deduction allows qualifying taxpayers to deduct up to $2,500 of interest paid on a qualified student loan to attend an accredited, higher education institution. For loan interest to be deductible, the loan must have been for the taxpayer, taxpayer's spouse, or the taxpayer's dependent when the loan was obtained.
•  American Opportunity Credit: Set to expire at the end of 2012, this allows a credit of up to $2,500 for the qualified tuition and related expenses paid for each eligible student. This credit can be claimed for the first four years of postsecondary education for each eligible student enrolled at least half time in a qualified program. This credit is often used to reduce the weight of textbook and course materials costs, which College Board found to average $1,168 per student at a public four-year college for the 2011-12 academic year. Eligible expenses include tuition, required fees and the cost of required books and software for courses.  The American Opportunity Credit is unique because 40 percent of it is a refundable credit which allows taxpayers with no tax liability to receive this portion of the credit as a refund.
• Lifetime Learning Credit: Taxpayers may be eligible for a credit of up to $2,000 each year for the total qualified tuition and related expenses paid during the tax year for all eligible students enrolled in a qualified educational institution. Unlike the American Opportunity Credit, the Lifetime Learning Credit is not based on the student's workload and is not limited to the first four years of postsecondary education. Expenses for graduate-level degree work are eligible for the Lifetime Learning Credit.
• Employee Business Expense: Taxpayers who take courses to improve their job skills, to satisfy their continuing education requirements for their professional credentials, or for reasons otherwise related to their current job, may deduct the cost of their tuition, associated fees, books and supplies, and mileage from work to school. The expenses are not deductible if the course is not job-related or would qualify the taxpayer for a job in a new field.

"One reason these credits and deductions are commonly overlooked is because of the multiple requirements and stipulations attached to each. Many eligible taxpayers are required to choose between claiming the American Opportunity Credit, the Lifetime Learning Credit, or the Employee Business Expense deduction," Steber added. "Claiming an education credit is usually more beneficial than claiming a deduction, because a credit offsets tax liability dollar for dollar rather than reducing the amount of income subject to tax. This is a good example of somewhere using a trained and trusted tax professional may even pay for itself."

Many Jackson Hewitt offices are open year round to assist taxpayers in identifying the best tax strategy for their individual situation and circumstances. To learn more about education deductions and credits, please visit www.jacksonhewitt.com or call 1-800-234-1040 to find a local Jackson Hewitt office.

About Jackson Hewitt Tax Service Inc.
Based in Parsippany, NJ, Jackson Hewitt Tax Service Inc. is an industry-leading provider of full service individual federal and state income tax preparation, with nearly 6,500 franchised and company-owned locations throughout the United States, including 2,800 located in Walmart stores nationwide, in the 2012 tax season. Jackson Hewitt Tax Service^® also offers an online tax preparation product at www.jacksonhewittonline.com. For more information, or to locate your neighborhood Jackson Hewitt^® office, visit www.jacksonhewitt.com or call 1-800-234-1040. Jackson Hewitt can also be found on Facebook and Twitter.

Contact:
Jennifer Minchin
973-630-0737
[email protected]

Melissa Connerton
917-595-3039
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SOURCE Jackson Hewitt Tax Service Inc.