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Level 1
January 27, 2025
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deductions

  • January 27, 2025
  • 2 replies
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What specific deductions can be taken for a college student living at home for taxes?

Best answer by Hal_Al

There are no actual deductions. But, there are two tuition/ education credits.  Qualified educational expenses (QEE) include, tuition, fees and course materials (mainly books and a computer).

 

But, there's a new urban myth among college students that says they can get a $1000 from the government just for filing a tax form. For most of them, they simply aren't eligible. A full time unmarried student, under age 24, even if you don't qualify as a dependent, is only eligible for the refundable portion of the American Opportunity Credit if he supports himself by working. You cannot be supporting yourself on parental support, 529 plans or student loans & grants. It is usually best if the parent claims that credit. 

You cannot claim the (up to) $1000 refundable credit if you are, or can be, claimed as a dependent by someone else.

2 replies

Hal_Al
Level 15
Hal_AlLevel 15Answer
Level 15
January 27, 2025

There are no actual deductions. But, there are two tuition/ education credits.  Qualified educational expenses (QEE) include, tuition, fees and course materials (mainly books and a computer).

 

But, there's a new urban myth among college students that says they can get a $1000 from the government just for filing a tax form. For most of them, they simply aren't eligible. A full time unmarried student, under age 24, even if you don't qualify as a dependent, is only eligible for the refundable portion of the American Opportunity Credit if he supports himself by working. You cannot be supporting yourself on parental support, 529 plans or student loans & grants. It is usually best if the parent claims that credit. 

You cannot claim the (up to) $1000 refundable credit if you are, or can be, claimed as a dependent by someone else.

Level 15
January 27, 2025