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Whether you are finished with your higher education or not, be sure you understand and maximize your use of the U.S. federal government tax benefits relating to those costs. Here’s a summary of key provisions you should know about:

 Student-loan interest deduction: You may take up to a $2,500 federal income-tax deduction for student-loan interest that you pay on IRS Form 1040 for college costs as long as your modified adjusted gross income (AGI) is less than or equal to $70,000 for single taxpayers or $140,000 for married couples filing jointly. (Note: Your deduction is phased out if your AGI is between $70,000 and $85,000 for single taxpayers or between $140,000 and $170,000 for married couples filing jointly.) Loans must be for qualified education expenses at an eligible higher-education institution such as a college, university, vocational or technical school, or other post-secondary educational institution eligible to participate in student-aid programs overseen by the U.S. Department of Education. The student must have taken out the loan during a period when they were enrolled at least half-time in a degree program.

 Tax-free investment earnings in special accounts: Money invested in so-called section 529 plans is sheltered from taxation and is not taxed upon withdrawal as long as the money is used to pay for eligible education expenses. Subject to eligibility requirements, 529 plans allow you to sock away $250,000+. Please be aware, however, that funding such accounts may harm your potential financial aid.

 Tax credits: The American Opportunity (AO) credit and Lifetime Learning (LL) credit provide tax relief to low- and moderate-income earners facing education costs. The AO credit may be up to $2,500 per student per year of undergraduate education, while the LL credit may be up to $2,000 per taxpayer. Each student may take only one of these credits per tax year, and they are subject to income limitations. And in a year in which a credit is taken, you may not withdraw money from a 529 plan or take a tax deduction for your college expenses.

A number of so-called miscellaneous education and career-related expenses are deductible on IRS Form 1040 Schedule A. These include

 Educational expenses: You may be able to deduct the cost of tuition, books, and travel to and from classes if your education is related to your career. Specifically, you can deduct these expenses if your course work improves your work skills. Courses required by law or your employer to maintain your position are deductible if you pay for them. Continuing education classes for professionals may also be tax deductible. Note: Educational expenses that lead to your moving into a new field or career aren’t deductible.

 Job searches and career counseling: After you obtain your first job, you may deduct legitimate costs related to finding another job within your field. You can even deduct the cost of courses and trips for new job interviews — even if you don’t change jobs. And if you hire a career counselor to help you, you can deduct that cost as well.