Means Test - Education Expense

[laurannm]

I'm still a little confused on the education expense on the means test, and I am hoping someone can clear it up a bit. The language reads:

Line 43 Education expenses for dependent children under 18. Enter the total average monthly expenses that you actually incur, not to exceed $137.50 per child, for attendance at a private or public elementary or secondary school by your dependent children less than 18 years of age. You must provide your case trustee with documentation of your actual expenses, and you must explain why the amount claimed is reasonable and necessary and not already accounted for in the IRS Standards.

Where I get confused is that last line, "not already accounted for in the IRS Standards". Where else in the IRS Standards does it mention anything about education expenses for a private or public elementary or secondary school?

Thanks

[Cali]

What form are you looking at that has Line 43 as education?

[laurannm]

Oops, sorry...Line 38 on the means

[Cali]

I am looking at my means test that was sent when I filed. I don't see any other place for education. And we didn't have anything on line 38.

[laurannm]

We are planning on using the $137.50 education expense for my son (catholic school).

[Help!]

The extra expense not accounted for would be listed if you are paying in excess of $137.50/mo. for your son. For example, if tuition is $245/mo. the amount "not already accounted for in the IRS Standards" would be $107.50.

The UST asked us to detail the calculation and provide receipts for the past 6 months to show that we actually spent that amount in excess of the IRS Standards. We also had to write a statement as to why private schooling was reasonable and necessary (you already know that story).

[laurannm]

Ohh ok...so your saying that if we entered the full amount of our tuition (in our case it's $345/month) on line 38, we would have to justify the amount above $137.50? What if we only claim the $137.50 on the means?

Thanks for your help

[woodj]

Student Loan Payments

Are student loans considered "Education Expenses?" If not, can they be included anywhere on the Means Test.

[Cali]

I thought the Education Expense on line 38 was for primary education.

[sick of debt]

Is there a place for daycare ? My daughter is 1 and can't stay home while I work Also, my son while be attending a private school for K. Will this be a problem? We actually would pay more for morning care and afternoon care if he went to a public K class

[laurannm]

Has your son been attending private school over the past 6 months? If so, then you put his expense on line 43 (up to a max of $137.50\month).

Day care expenses go on line 30, Childcare Expenses.