The IRS leaves the definition of "full-time" and "half-time" to your educational institution, since academic calendars and program requirements vary so widely between institutions. If, during an academic period, you were carrying at least half the credit hour load required of a full-time student in your program, you are "at least half-time" for federal tax purposes.
The only place in the tax code where being a "full-time" student holds any special significance is in the determination of a "qualifying child" dependent, where a parent may continue to claim their child under age 24 as a dependent, if the child was a full-time student during some part of five months during the tax year.
For purposes of the educational tax benefits, the most stringent requirement is for the American Opportunity Tax Credit, which requires that the student be
enrolled at least half-time for at least one academic period (semester,
quarter, etc.) beginning in the tax year. The Lifetime Learning Credit, which is applicable to you as a graduate student, has much more liberal requirements:
- Be
enrolled or taking courses at an eligible educational institution;
- Be
taking higher education course or courses to get a degree or other
recognized education credential or to get or improve job skills; and
- Be
enrolled for at least one academic period beginning in the tax year.
For more information, please refer to this IRS
Education Benefits Comparison Chart.
