My husband is in full time school and we are taking the standard deduction, Can we still get a tax break for being a full time student?

[SharonD007]

It depends. Your husband may qualify for The American Opportunity Credit or Lifetime Learning Credit.

Review the TurboTax articles Guide to Tax Form 1098-T: Tuition Statement and What Are Education Tax Credits? for additional information.

[Hal_Al · Accepted solution]

Q. Can we still get a tax break for being a full time student?

A. Yes, most likely. The tuition tax credit is not an "itemized" deduction. So, you get it even if you use the standard deduction.  There are two different tuition credits, one of which, has a refundable feature.  The total credit could be as much as $2500 (in your pocket, not just a deduction from income). 

You must have attended an "eligible institution".  Just enter your educational expenses and TurboTax will qualify you and calculate the credit. 

In TurboTax (TT), enter at:

Federal Taxes Tab (Personal for H&B version)

Deductions & Credits

-Scroll down to:

--Education

  --Education Expenses and Scholarships (1098-T)