Education Tax Credits

jonsi4Him2 · ‎March 7, 2020

My kids are both college students and have paid their school bills themselves, and I claim them as dependents. Can I still enter their 1098-T's on my tax return and claim the eduational tax credits?

JotikaT2 · ‎March 7, 2020

Yes.

If you are claiming them as dependents, you would be able to claim the education credit on your return.

Education expenses regardless of who pays if a dependent

The following links provide a bit more information as to the American Opportunity Credit, the Lifetime Learning Credit, and the Tuition & Fees Deduction.

The American Opportunity Credit can only be used for the first four years where the student is obtaining a degree.

Chart comparing credits

Tuition & fees deduction

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Hal_Al · ‎March 7, 2020

Yes, the tuition credits go with the student's dependency, regardless of who paid the tuition, fees and course materials (books).

If they paid the expenses with cash (including UTMA accounts) or loans, you claiming the credit is straight forward. If they paid with scholarships or 529 plans, some additional steps may be necessary.