Do I qualify for the Lifetime Learning Credit as a graduate student/teaching assistant, whose university pays for my tuition? I receive a 1098-T with Boxes 1 & 5 filled.

[lmccaffrey2]

Does the university technically count as a qualified third party who pays my tuition, so that I can claim this credit? What is tax free educational assistance - are my scholarships in Box 5 that?

[Vanessa A]

Tax free educational assistance would be things like employer provided education assistance up to $5,250, and military benefits.

The university is not a third party that pays your tuition.  

If you are paying taxes on the work study income, and are not claimed as dependent, then yes, you could claim the Lifetime Learning Credit if you otherwise qualify. 

[lmccaffrey2]

Thanks! For more context, I make a monthly paycheck for being a Teaching Assistant that is taxable on W-2. In addition to that, my tuition is fully funded through the university through my assistantship teaching contract. (That money never comes to me, the school pays tuition and fees directly). So even then, I would not qualify? I am only confused because I received the 1098 T in the first place, and Turbo Tax is saying I qualify, but it seems off. @Vanessa A 

[lmccaffrey2]

So in reply to your statement: Yes, I pay taxes on my work study income (included in W-2), but also, my school is the entity that paid for the expenses in Box 1. Does that make sense? Thank you for your time! @Vanessa A 

[Vanessa A]

No. If the school is paying your tuition, and you are getting other income on top of that, but the tuition is not included in your taxable income, then you are not eligible for a tax credit.  

Does your box 5 match your box 1?