My wife is going through her residency program to become a medical doctor. She is working in a hospital for her residency in another city, about 300 miles from our home. She is renting an apartment there and comes home about once a month. We file a joint return. Are her expenses and rent deductible as a work related expense?

ANSWER

The BIDaWIZ Team's Answer:

Your wife wouldn't be able to claim medical school as a work related expense since the education is considered the minimum requirement for becoming a doctor. The IRS has cracked down lately on audits for those claiming work related expenses that do not conform with IRS publication 529. Your wife could however claim the tuition and fees deduction of up to $4,000 or the lifetime and learning credit.