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New Member
posted Mar 10, 2020 1:20:41 PM

I am a graduate student at Virginia tech state university. So

Do I get credit or refunds for paid tuition?

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1 Best answer
Expert Alumni
Mar 10, 2020 1:35:17 PM

You are eligible to claim the Lifetime Learning Credit if all of the following requirements are met:

  • You (or your dependent or a third party) paid qualified education expenses for higher education.
  • You paid the education expenses for an eligible student.
  • The eligible student is you, your spouse, or a dependent you claim an exemption for on your tax return.
  • Your modified adjusted gross income is less than $67,000 ($134,000 if you are married filing jointly).
  • The credit is reduced between $57,000 and $67,000 ($114,000 and $134,000 if you are married filing jointly).

One of the advantages of the Lifetime Learning Credit is that you can take the credit every year for higher education as long as you meet the qualifying requirements.

2 Replies
Expert Alumni
Mar 10, 2020 1:35:17 PM

You are eligible to claim the Lifetime Learning Credit if all of the following requirements are met:

  • You (or your dependent or a third party) paid qualified education expenses for higher education.
  • You paid the education expenses for an eligible student.
  • The eligible student is you, your spouse, or a dependent you claim an exemption for on your tax return.
  • Your modified adjusted gross income is less than $67,000 ($134,000 if you are married filing jointly).
  • The credit is reduced between $57,000 and $67,000 ($114,000 and $134,000 if you are married filing jointly).

One of the advantages of the Lifetime Learning Credit is that you can take the credit every year for higher education as long as you meet the qualifying requirements.

Level 15
Mar 10, 2020 1:49:51 PM

No.

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.  There are two tuition credits and one deduction available.  Only one of the credits is refundable and that one is not available to grad students (very few undergrads are eligible either, because they have to support themselves with earned income).

 

So, unless you have enough taxable  income to have a tax liability, and you are not claimed as a dependent, by your parents,  there is essentially no education credit available.