Can I still check full time student option if I was only a full time student for four months instead of the apparent 5 months required. I started grad school in september

deantedennisjr · ‎April 15, 2026

MaryK4

No, unfortunately, you cannot check the "full-time student" box for tax purposes if you were only enrolled for four months. The IRS is very strict on the "five-month rule." To be considered a student for the tax year, you must have been a full-time student for some part of at least five calendar months.

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DoninGA

The 5 months do not have to be consecutive. If not full-time for 5 months of year, then you are not a full-time student.

Hal_Al

If you were officially enrolled in August, you can count that as the 5th month.

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Can I still check full time student option if I was only a full time student for four months instead of the apparent 5 months required. I started grad school in september