Independent student tax education credit

[kechr]

My adult son (over 24) is living with us, and is a full-time student while we pay more than half of his support. He is considered an independent student and we are claiming him as a dependent on our taxes. He is not claiming himself on his taxes, because his earned income from 2016 is under $4000. Can we claim the education credit (Form 2098-T) on our taxes?

[ChrisJ · Accepted solution]

If the eligible student is either yourself, your spouse, or a dependent for whom you claim an exemption on your tax return - you would be able to claim qualified education expense (form 1098-T). 

Enter the information into TurboTax to determine whether you will receive any credit for the expense:

1. Sign in and Continue your/take me to my return
2. Click Federal Taxes across the top (or tap the three white lines in the left corner). Go to Deductions and Credits
   
3. Choose Edit/Add/Start for Expenses and Scholarships (Form 1098-T)
   
4. On the Your Education Expenses Summary, Edit or Add Another Student
   
5. Type in the info from your 1098-T when requested. Confirm all of the student's Education Information is entered. TurboTax will explain which credits and deductions you do or don't qualify for based on your entries.