Can I write off continuing education for my license?

Continuing education expenses are deductible if they are necessary to maintain or improve skills required in your current trade or business, or if they are required by your employer or by law to keep your salary, status, or job. However, they are not deductible if they are needed to meet the minimum educational requirements of your present trade or business or if they qualify you for a new trade or business. For example, a lawyer attending a seminar to stay updated on legal changes can deduct the cost, but a teacher taking courses to become a lawyer cannot.