How do i calculate my adjusted qualified education expenses

[Hal_Al]

The answer depends on what you are trying to accomplish and how your need to "adjust" your expenses.  The rules vary depending on whether you are trying to claim a tuition credit or have a 529 plan distribution be tax free and whether the student received any scholarships. 

One option,  sometimes available,  is for the student to declare some of his scholarship taxable, so that the parent can use some of  the tuition, fees, and books/computer expenses to claim tax breaks. 

For more specific help describe you situation. 

[Hal_Al]

Provide the following info for more specific help:

• Are you the student or parent.
• Is the  student  the parent's dependent.
• Box 1 of the 1098-T
• box 5 of the 1098-T
• Any other scholarships not shown in box 5
• Does box 5 include any of the 529/ESA plan payments (it should not)
• Is any of the Scholarship restricted; i.e. it must be used for tuition
• Box 1 of the 1099-Q (Qualified Tuition Plan [529 or ESA] distribution) 
• Box 2 of the 1099-Q
• Who’s name and SS# are on the 1099-Q, parent or student (who’s the “recipient”)?
• Room & board paid. If student lives off campus, what is school's R&B on campus charge. If he lives at home, the school’s R&B “allowance for cost of attendance” for student living with parents.
• Other qualified expenses not included in box 1 of the 1098-T, e.g. books & computers
• How much taxable income does the student have, from what sources
• Are you trying to claim the tuition credit (are you eligible)?
• Is the student an undergrad or grad student?
• Is the student a degree candidate attending school half time or more?