Where can we take credit for paying college tuition for a student who is not a relative? We did not get a 1098. Can it be a charitable donation?

[glenn7]

We mentored this kid in high school and wanted to help him out to get to a good school.  We paid one semester's tuition because his parents could not afford it.  We did not get a 1098 for this, but he probably did. How do I get tax credit for this?  Maybe as a charitable contribution?

[LindaA · Accepted solution]

You won't be able to deduct the tuition on your tax return. You cannot claim an education credit for someone who is not your dependent and you cannot claim a charitable deduction for donations to an individual. Donations are deductible only when made to qualified charitable organizations.