I receive child support for my children, and some of it is used to pay their tuition and fees at a private school. I am unable to claim the children as dependents on my return because of the terms of the divorce decree. However, since I do pay the tuition, fees, and other expenses, am I able to take the deduction for elementary and secondary education?


No. The statute provides that the deduction is allowed for the taxpayer who claims the dependent on their current year’s tax return or claims the dependent on their prior year’s tax return. Since you are unable to claim the children as dependents, you are not eligible for the deduction.

Filing Dates


News & Announcements

January 29, 2025

Louisiana state income tax filing begins Wednesday, Jan. 29

Louisiana Department of Revenue (LDR) will begin accepting 2024 state individual income tax returns on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025.

January 08, 2025

To reduce costs, LDR to cease mailing state sales tax returns to businesses

Louisiana Department of Revenue will cease printing and mailing copies of the Louisiana state sales tax return to businesses registered for sales tax in the state.

December 11, 2024

Tax preparer faces multiple felony fraud charges

A Terrebonne Parish woman faces multiple felony charges for the attempted theft of thousands of dollars in fraudulent state income tax refunds.


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