Tax practitioners are being more closely scrutinized by the IRS and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) as a result of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and other increases in regulation. As a tax professional, you need to possess an understanding of the Internal Revenue Code and the knowledge to conduct quality tax research to deliver solutions to your clients.

For the past two years, Masako, a Japanese American, has worked as a high school physical education teacher. He is also a body-builder and a part-time graduate student in educational technology at State University. In preparing for a masters thesis, Masako has decided to participate in Arnolds Body-Building Training Program, which uses advanced analysis technology to help students absorb physical education. Arnolds training program has a regular faculty, curriculum, an enrolled body of students, and advanced technology in its gym equipment.

During the fall of 20X5, Masako earned $4,000 as a body-builder by coming in second in the state contest. In spring of 20X5, Masako paid $3,000 for his masters degree tuition at State University for one class on advanced computer technology and another $5,000 to participate at Arnolds. Masako knows about relevant educational tax credits and wants you to focus just on the deductions. Based on the information provided:

• How much can Masako deduct?
• Discuss whether Masako may deduct the cost of his graduate degree or the body-building training program as a business expense based on tax law.