Would one be a full time student if recently enrolled at a University?

[ncastelino]

If one recently started university in September of 2017, would they count as a Full time student for tax purposes? I am full time according to the university (1098-T checks "at least half-time student"). But I didn't attend before September.

[PaulaM]

Generally speaking, you are considered as a full time student if you enroll in school for at least five months in the tax year.

However, each school defines "full time" in its own way (usually in terms of the number of courses or hours). Is September the normal semester begin date for your school? If so, then you can consider yourself full time if your course load is classified as full time by your school and answer 'yes' to the full time question.

[ncastelino]

Yes, September is the normal semester start month for this particular University. What date is the cut off period for the five month enrollment specification? I am still a student so September 2017 - March 2018 would make it 6 months of being a full-time student.

[PaulaM]

The cut off is the calendar year. 5 months in 2017. In general, universities have enrollment along the lines of Aug-Dec for Fall and Jan-May for Spring. This makes enrollment in either semester 5 months and meets the requirements.

Is your university a qualified educational institution? Do they receive financial aid? You can check the link below.

What is an Eligible Educational Institution?

[ncastelino]

Yes, I see it on that list. I'm not sure what you mean by financial aid? I know that we are allowed work study and get financial aid.

[PaulaM]

I presume you are being asked if you attended the university under the Education section. Your university has to be a qualified educational institution (on the list) to be considered for the deduction/credits. Answer 'yes' to the full time student question if you carried a full credit fall semester according to your universities definition of full time.