If college-student child is not my dependent, but I paid more than $15,000 in tuition for her in 2016, may I take a credit or a deduction on my taxes?

[DoninGA · Accepted solution]

The student must be claimed as a dependent on your tax return for you to deduct any education expenses or be eligible for education credits.  If you cannot claim the student as your dependent then you cannot deduct any education expenses on your tax return for the student.

[Texas Roger]

Whoever does claim your child as a dependent on their tax return can claim the amount you paid for qualified expenses on their tax return.