How does a dependent grad student account for health insurance in scholarship vs. tuition 1098-T amounts?

[hydra888]

I became a graduate student this year and received a research assistantship position. This position covered my tuition, provided me a stipend, and provided me with health insurance. On my 1098-T, box 2 shows how much I was billed for my tuition, while box 5 has my "scholarship" which covers both tuition and healthcare. However, since I am being claimed as a dependent for the final time in 2017 by my parents, I cannot enter my healthcare anywhere. This results in me having over $2,700 of unearned income. However, I worked as a research assistant for that healthcare coverage, which makes me think that this income being "unearned" is dubious. Is there anyway to rectify this, or does the law make said income "unearned"?

[KrisD · Accepted solution]

You are reporting it the right way. The IRS does not recognize health insurance costs as education expenses. It is taxable as unearned income to you. 

According to the IRS: 

“Expenses That Don't Qualify

Qualified education expenses don't include amounts paid for:

Insurance;

Medical expenses (including student health fees);

Room and board;

Transportation; or

Similar personal, living, or family expenses.

This is true even if the amount must be paid to the institution as a condition of enrollment or attendance.”

CLICK HERE for IRS Pub 970 Education Credits

[hydra888]

Is it still "unearned" income even if the only reason I receive it is that I am a research assistant? I get that it is not a qualified expense, but the fact that it is "unearned" seems hard to believe since I only get it through employment by the university.

[KrisD]

I see, yes if it was reported on a W2, it would be considered "Earned" but as a scholarship on a 1098-T, it is considered unearned by the IRS.

[Hal_Al]

There are two definitions of earned income. Scholarships are not earned income for the purpose of the Earned Income Credit or being able to qualify for an IRA contribution.
Scholarships are earned income for the purpose of a dependent calculating his standard deduction and the "kiddie tax". If you properly enter the scholarships, TurboTax will make the distinction.
Although your description for what you did, for this money, makes a case for earned income, the fact that the stipend was reported on a 1098-T, rather than a W-2 or 1099-Misc, makes it difficult to report any other way.

[Hal_Al]

You are not asked about health insurance because you do not claim yourself.

Your parents accounted for you and the health insurance requirement, on their return.