"marko.online[at]gmail.com" <marko.online[at]gmail.com> wrote:

- quote -

You make a point, but is somewhat invalid compared to what
the law requires. The law, supported by case history, states
that the deduction is not allowed if it leads to a new
occupation. Now is being a CPA different in whole than
being an "accountant"? The courts have ruled that it is,
and there is merit to its decision. In many states, one
cannot hold themselves out as an "accountant" if they are
not a CPA. In MA, one cannot be a majority owner of a
public accounting firm if they are not a CPA.

--
David M. Woods, EA, ChFC, CLU
Woods Financial Services
Norwood, MA 02062
www.woods-financial.com

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In the literal sense, yes, the CPA certificate grants the
audit role but I see this as an increment on top of the
larger role of accounting. For the purpose/perspective of a
tax deduction, its not as if you're shifting careers in the
pure sense (i.e., a welder going to night school to be an
architect). I can understand why Bar Exam Prep fees aren't
allowed, since law is completely regulated as opposed to
accounting's much lesser regulation scheme (being that you
*can* practice accounting without a license). I'm thinking
primarily about how many employers require the CPA cert
within a certain period after hire for particular jobs -
merely as a comfort/piece of mind thing for the employer. A
complex issue, no doubt, but I hope my point is made.

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"David Woods, EA, ChFC, CLU" <dwoods[at]woods-financial.com> wrote:

- quote -

This isn't the point, I know, but in California the term
"accountant" can't be used to describe anyone who is not a
CPA (or is grandfathered in as a PA).

That said, I agree that, since the expense is apparently for
the purpose of qualifying the taxpayer for a new profession,
the costs are not deductible.

Stu

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"marko.online[at]gmail.com" <marko.online[at]gmail.com> wrote:

- quote -

Well I would argue that a CPA is NOT the same as being an
accountant. A CPA is allowed to do things only a CPA can do
such as audits and attestations. An "accountant" can mean
virtually anything, but being a CPA is a whole new ballgame.

--
David M. Woods, EA, ChFC, CLU
Woods Financial Services
Norwood, MA 02062
www.woods-financial.com

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The short answer is no. Prep course fees are the same.
This is because these are related to preparation for a new
career and not related to maintaining your existing
occupation. Granted, its highly lame, because I don't see
gonig from an accountant to a CPA being that big of a leap.
You *are* in the same occupation, but I suppose its not to
keep your current qualifications up-to-date so it won't
qualify as deductible. Publication 17 reviews this issue
starting on page 202.

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"helion[at]ziplip.com" <helion[at]ziplip.com> wrote:

- quote -

A deduction as what?

--
David M. Woods, EA, ChFC, CLU
Woods Financial Services
Norwood, MA 02062
www.woods-financial.com

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<helion[at]ziplip.com> wrote

- quote -

I thought that was one of the exam questions.

No.

--
Paul A. Thomas, CPA
Athens, Georgia
taxman at negia.net

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I bought the becker CPA test prep software. Can I claim
this as a deduction on my income tax?? Thanks

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