I graduated in May 2023, does that qualify me as a full time student?

derekmiller12 · ‎February 12, 2024

AmyC · ‎February 12, 2024

Yes, some part of 5 months qualifies you. Congratulations!

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Hal_Al · ‎February 12, 2024

Q. I graduated in May 2023, does that qualify me as a full time student?

A. Simple answer: yes.

Full time student has two meanings* in taxes. First, the five month rule must be met (if you are over 18) for you to be a "Qualifying Child" dependent on your parent's (or other close relative's) tax return. Hence the question in the personal info section. To claim a tuition credit, you only need to be half time or more, and for no specific time length (basically "full time" is meaningless in the education expenses section).

*There are third and fourth and firth meanings having to do with the "kiddie tax", eligibility for the refundable portion of the AOTC and eligibility for the Retirement Savers Credit.