Re: Distance law school Northwest California NWCULAW

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A good example of what I was writing follows:

Question
I have read the general rule of no deduction for law school, but I haven't read
anything for my particular situation. I am a registered patent agent with the
United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). My point is that there is
nothing a patent attorney can do with the USPTO with patents that I cannot do as a
patent agent. I have written patents since 2005, I became a registered patent
agent in 2008, and am now in law school for one reason: increase my earnings
potential.

When I am finished with law school I am going to be in the same industry and trade
I was before law school. I realize that law school could generally "qualify me
for a new trade or business" but at the same time, law school is not qualifying me
anymore than I am already to work with the USPTO. The USPTO doesn't really care
if I am an agent or an attorney. Both can have clients, both can write the patent
applications, both can file the patent apps with the USPTO, and both can prosecute
the patent apps through several office actions until the application is dropped or
published as a patent.

So in your opinion, do I have a shot at a legitimate deduction?

Answer:
Thanks for your question.

No, you cannot deduct your law school costs. It does qualify you for a new trade
or business whether you ever pursue that or not. The IRS has ruled specifically
in such situations.

Hope this helps.

John Stancil, CPA

On 4/16/09, Li nda wrote:
> First, please excuse the typos. Some, but not all are because the Board
> apparently won't allow some words. I have no reason why but on average one in
> three of my posts go through.
>
> I wasn’t referring to Section 162. But since you brought it up, law school
> expenses are never deductible under 162 because it qualifies a person for a new
> profession. There are dozens if not hundreds of cases in this area and the
> taxpayer always loses. Don’t trust me, research it. Or ask NWCU to give you
> some cases. I did and they couldn’t.
>
> The tax credits are only available to students enrolled in schools that are
> accredited, as defined by the Department of Education. You can view the Taf t
> website for more specific details.
>
> As I wrote earlier, I don't think the NWCU is a bad option for some. But they,
> and you, need to get some facts straight.
>
> The fact that they continue to give incorrect tax info is worrisome.
>
>
>
>
>
> On 4/16/09, Res Ipsa Loco wrote:
>> NWCU is accredited in the sense that it is "registered" with the CBE. It is
>> not "accredited" in the sense which you are speaking, but it does not matter.
>> Do you now (spelled correctly) see my point. The tuition can still be deducted
>> for tax purposes--here is the info from the website:
>>
>> Tax Deduction
>> A tax deduction may be allowed for expenses undertaken to: Maintain or improve
>> skills required in one's employment, trade or business, or Meet specific
>> requirements of an employer or a law imposed as a condition to retention of
>> employment, job status or rate of compensation. (See Treasury Regulation 1.
> 162-
>> 5.)
>>
>> Do your research, and learn how to spell. I understand that an occasional
> stray
>> key may be hit, but you are incorrectly spelling way too many words in a
> single
>> sentence. It is irritating.
>>
>> Res Ipsa Loco
>>
>>
>>
>> On 4/16/09, Li nda wrote:
>>> Tree but NWCU is NOT accredited. Do you know see my point.
>>>
>>> On 4/15/09, Res Ipsa Loco wrote:
>>>> Tax credits can be used from any accredited school. There are no strong
>>>> points in your argument. NWCU Law is the best around in terms of quality
>>>> and price.
>>>>
>>>> Res Ipsa Loco
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> On 4/15/09, L inda wrote:
>>>>> I stand corrected with respect to con cord. But T aft is not three
>>>>> times and factoring in tax credits the difference is not all that much
>>>>>
>>>>> On 4/14/09, GET NEW INFORMATION wrote:
>>>>>> On 4/13/09, Linda wrote:
>>>>>>> Based on information I received from all three school, the bar pass
>>>>>>> rate over the past five years is lower at NWCU than the other two
>>>>>>> accredited schools. And according to the websites, the tuition is
>>>>>>> not three times as much.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Linda
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> NWCU is 2850 a year for starters, Concord is 9k+, so I your right....
>>>>> it
>>>>>> is more than 3 x's as much and as far as bar passage rates again you
>>>>> are
>>>>>> wrong especially w/ regard to the FYLSE... go to calbar.org
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> On 4/12/09, Linda wrote:
>>>>>>>>> You could do worst than Northwestern but I suggest that you also
>>>>>>>>> check out the other schools, particularly COn cord and Taf t.
>>>>>>>>> Both offer Federal student aid.
>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>> On 4/11/09, questions wrote:
>>>>>>>>>>>> I am considering Northwest California Law School for a
>>>>>>>>>>>> distance learning Law degree. I can not move at this
>>>>>>>>>>>> time, I can not quit my job, I have a family who needs me
>>>>>>>>>>>> home. I live in Maine and I am about 6 hours from the law
>>>>>>>>>>>> school. Has anyone gone/going to NWCULAW? I understand it
>>>>>>>>>>>> is unaccredited with the ABA and I understand all I must
>>>>>>>>>>>> do to pass the bar and practice law later. Any help would
>>>>>>>>>>>> be great thanks so much.