If i make too much to claim my son's college tuition. Can he file his own taxes and claim tuition? Can I still claim him as dependant?

[ktoler4x4]

He had to say no one else could claim him, in order to claim college expense. So it's a catch 22. I can no longer claim him as a dependent?

[Hal_Al · Accepted solution]

Yes, that's correct, you cannot claim him as a dependent if he claims the tuition. 

One rule is: if a person CAN be claimed by another, he may NOT claim himself, even if the other person does not actually claim him.

Technically there is a special rule that allows your son to claim a tuition credit. But, as a practical matter it seldom works out.  A student, under age 24, is only eligible for the refundable portion of the American Opportunity Credit if he/she supports himself by working . He cannot be supporting himself on student loans & grants and 529 plans and parental support.  

If the student actually has a tax liability he can claim a non-refundable credit but then the parent must forgo claiming the student's exemption and the student still can’t claim his own exemption.

[ktoler4x4]

Bummer, But thanks so much for answering!!