Who Claims Tuition and Related Expenses?

[Therasa]

I am a 33 year old single college student. My dad is assisting in paying for my college expenses. What type of credits are applicable, and who claims them? 

[xmasbaby0]

You claim the education credit on your own tax return unless your father is claiming you as a dependent on his own tax return--which sounds unlikely.   

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1901172-what-are-education-tax-credits

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1901487-what-is-the-tuition-and-fees-deduction

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1901172-what-education-tax-credits-are-available      

https://www.irs.gov/help/ita/am-i-eligible-to-claim-an-education-credit

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/3262983-who-is-eligible-to-take-the-american-opportunity-tax-credi...

You can see your AOC credit on line 29 of your 2020 Form 1040

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1901526-what-s-the-income-limit-for-education-tax-credits

QUALIFIED EDUCATION EXPENSES

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1899852-what-are-considered-qualified-education-expenses

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/2976047-what-are-examples-of-education-expenses

https://www.eitc.irs.gov/other-refundable-credits-toolkit/compare-education-credits-and-tuition-and-...

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1900981-can-i-deduct-education-expenses-that-were-paid-with-studen...

[Hal_Al]

If you are not your father's dependent, you are allowed to claim the tuition credit or deduction, even though he was the one who paid.  He is not allowed to claim them, unless you are his dependent. 

[Therasa]

So helpful an concise-thank you!