I was a college student until May 2016 and a dependent of my parents. I graduated and began taking community college classes that I paid for. How do I receive a deduction or credit for my community college classes?

[kendallk]

TurboTax is saying I cannot claim an education deduction or credit because I was a dependent of my parents. I am only inputting the 1098-T form from my community college classes that I paid for. I spent about $1000 on these classes and I am hoping to receive a credit for this. Anyone know if this is possible?

[HelenaC · Accepted solution]

No, if you are a dependent, your parents would be able to claim the education credit. See If a parent claims me as a dependent, can I claim the education tax credit?

[kendallk]

I realize that I cannot claim the education tax credit from when I was a dependent January-May but after May I became independent and supported myself financially and I don't see why I can't claim my tuition expenses from May-December on my taxes.

[HelenaC]

That is the tax code (law).  You are either a dependent for the whole year or not a dependent. If your parents claim you as a dependent, they get to deduct your personal exemption of $4,050. You are allowed to deduct one personal exemption for one social security number per year.

[HelenaC]

If you provided over 50% of your support for the whole year, your parents can't claim you as a dependent.

[HelenaC]

See the IRS Worksheet for determining support:  <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="https://apps.irs.gov/app/vita/content/globalmedia/teacher/worksheet_for_determining_support_4012.pdf...>