Q. My parents paid my tuition and they're claiming me as a dependent then do I still input the cost of tuition on my tax return in the Enter the tuition you paid section?
A. No.
Q. In the section named "Enter the Tuition You Paid" it is unclear what to do if my parents paid and are claiming me on their taxes. Do I still enter the cost of tuition into the box or do I leave it blank?
A. Neither. You do not enter anything about your education*, since you are a dependent. Delete the 1098-T**. Your parents enter it on their return, to claim the tuition credit.
*There are 2 exceptions when you might need to enter the 1098-T: 1. You have so much scholarship that some of it is taxable or 2. You have enough other income to have a tax liability and your parents have too much income to claim the tuition credit. In that rare case, you are allowed to claim a non-refundable tuition credit.
**The 1098-T is only an informational document. The numbers on it are not required to be entered onto your tax return. However receipt of a 1098-T frequently means you (or your parent) are either eligible for a tuition credit or possibly the student has taxable scholarship income.
