Hi, this is my first time filing on my own. As of last year August of 2025, I became a full-time student do I include that on my taxes?

[xmasbaby0]

Yes---there is a question in MY INFO under "uncommon situations" where you can indicate that you are a full-time student.

It is not clear whether you can be claimed as someone (parent?) 's dependent--so that needs to be clarified.   If someone else CAN claim you, you must say on your own tax return that you can be claimed as someone else's dependent.

Even if you can be claimed as a dependent by someone you can file your own tax return to seek a refund of tax that was withheld from your paychecks.     The person who can claim you is the one who gets the education credits.

[Hal_Al]

It depends on what has changed that you are now "filing on your own".  

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. 

.

Reference: Line 7 instructions for form 8863.

https://www.irs.gov/instructions/i8863#en_US_2024_publink53002gd0e674

https://www.irs.gov/instructions/i8863

[Pknight]

You will need form 1098-T in order to complete the higher education section of the tax return. You can find this form at your schools website e-services under tax documents. I hope this helps.