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Is Private School Tuition Tax Deductible?

September 04, 2024
By Bayshore Christian School

One of the most asked questions by private school families has to do with taxes relating to tuition and fees. Questions such as “Is private school tuition deductible?”, “Can you deduct private school tuition?” and “Does private school count as childcare for taxes?” are very familiar questions that we receive. The basic answer to all of these questions is no. Private school tuition is not tax deductible. If you are looking for or are sending your child to a private school, such as a Christian school in Tampa FL, you cannot claim this on your taxes. However, there are other forms of childcare that are tax deductible.

Private school tuition and fees

Private school tuition and fees are not tax deductible, excluding preschool. This is because you are choosing to send your child to private school instead of public school. Unlike things such as daycare and out-of-school childcare, paying for K-12 tuition is optional because free public school is available for students.

Dependent care

Though you cannot claim private school tuition and fees on your taxes, there are other types of care that qualify. According to the IRS, you can claim dependent care reimbursement expenses. This includes:

  1. Before-school and after-school care for children who are under the age of 13 
  2. Babysitting and nanny expenses 
  3. Daycare and nursery schools
  4. Summer day camps
  5. Care for a spouse who is not physically or mentally able to care for themselves
  6. Care for an adult in your home who is not physically or mentally able to care for themselves
     

Preschool (VPK) is the only type of school that qualifies as dependent care and is tax deductible. This is because preschools in Florida typically require tuition payments and there is not a public school equivalent available for most families. Therefore, if you are interested in Christian schools in Tampa FL that are preschools, you should be able to make a claim for tuition and fees.

South Tampa middle schools

Are you looking for a private South Tampa middle school for your student? We may be the right place for your family! Bayshore Christian School is a private school in Tampa that offers preschool, as well as K-12 programs. We are devoted to educating school children of all ages while integrating Christian teaching into the classroom.

If you have any additional questions about tax deductible care, or about our programs, contact us today! 
 

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