The definition of a full-time student is "as defined by the college". It further states that an "at least half-time student" is one that is enrolled in at least half the workload of his or her course of study, based on the institution's definition of what constitutes a full-time student. Per IRS publication 970, a student who was enrolled at least half-time is considered as part of the requirements to qualify for the education benefit.
For example, if you start from September and attended ( enrolled ) as full time, you are considered as at least half-time or full-time student. This should be reflected in box 8 form 1098T and it's always recommended to verify your status with the school.
So - if this means, for tax purposes, tha "Full-time" = "At least half-time", then why confuse TurboTax users by making the distinction on in the question? Why aren't there just two answers:
> Full-time or At least half-time
> Less than half-time.
If there is no distinction from a tax point of view, then having all three answers separately is only confusing - and with no benefit.
Thus, here we are, wasting time Googling and chatting in a TurboTax chat room, when this wasted time could have been completed avoided with a well-written question...
For tax purposes, Full-time does NOT mean at least half time.
There are two different purpose, for taxes, in student status:
1. You must be full time, for parts of a least 5 calendar months to qualify as a "Qualifying Child" dependent.
2. You must be, at least, half time to qualify for the certain tax benefits, mainly the American Opportunity credit.
The 1098-T only has the half time or more question because the IRS (who mandates the form) is only interested in the school telling them if you qualify (based on status) for the credit.
At least twice, in the interview, TurboTax (TT) will ask you if you are Full time.
So, telling TT that you are fulltime for the dependent question, also tells TT that your are at least half time for the tax benefits issue. But, the IRS still wants it their way on their tax form.