Can I deduct online courses if they help my business?

Yes, often — if an online course is an ordinary and necessary expense for your business and it maintains or improves skills you use in your current trade or business, it may be deductible.

General tax rules to keep in mind:

• The course should generally maintain or improve current skills.
• It generally should not qualify you for a new trade or business.
• It generally should not be part of meeting minimum educational requirements for entering a profession.

If you’re self-employed or a sole proprietor, qualifying education costs are often deductible as business expenses, commonly on Schedule C.

If you’re a W-2 employee, the federal tax treatment of unreimbursed education and job-related expenses can be limited, so you should check the current rules for your situation and state.

Related costs like required books, course-specific software, and supplies may also be deductible if they’re directly tied to qualifying education.

Because the exact result depends on your business structure, the course content, and your tax situation, it’s a good idea to confirm with a CPA or IRS guidance before filing.