Due to critical system updates and the Labor Day holiday, the Louisiana Department of Revenue (LDR) will be closed from 2 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 4, 2026, through Monday, Sept. 7, 2026. In addition to the closure of all LDR offices during this period, all online services including electronic tax filing and payments and the Louisiana Taxpayer Access Point (LaTAP) portal will be unavailable as well. All in-person, telephone and online customer service will resume on Tuesday, Sept. 8.

I pay child support for my children, and my ex-spouse pays their tuition and fees at a private school. I claim the children as dependents on my return because of the terms of the divorce decree. Am I able to take the tax deduction for elementary and secondary education even though I do not directly pay the tuition and fees?

No. The statute provides that the deduction is allowed for the taxpayer who actually pays the tuition and fees. Since you do not directly pay these expenses, you are not eligible for the deduction.

Important Announcement