I don't understand why my wife isn't getting an education tax break. she paid >$30K in tuition in loans and turbotax keeps saying "no net qualified education expenses"

[xmasbaby0]

Are you filing a joint return?  if you are filing separate returns she cannot get any education credits.

[cobbsauce]

we are filing joint return

[xmasbaby0]

QUALIFIED EDUCATION EXPENSES
<a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1899852-what-are-considered-qualified-education-expenses">https://...>

[xmasbaby0]

@Carl   ???   @Hal_Al ???

[cobbsauce]

yeah i saw that link earlier today. the money was towards tuition, paid with student loans directly to the school. i also included textbook expenses

[xmasbaby0]

it is late at night--hoping for some help for you from another SuperUser by tomorrow.

[Hal_Al]

Check to see if the loans were added to box 5 of the 1098-T (they should not have been). Did you even get a 1098-T?  if not, you do not qualify unless you qualify for one of the exceptions (TurboTax will ask the exception question).

[cobbsauce]

yes i have the 1098T in front of me. Box 5 is blank.

[Hal_Al]

be sure the half time or more box is checked  on the 1098-T and the grad student box is not checked.
if you paid (or the loan was applied) the $30K in Dec 2017 for the 2018 term, it does not count for 2018

[cobbsauce]

so grad school students don't get any tax relief for this? the grad school box is checked

[Hal_Al]

Grad school students are allowed the Lifetime Learning Credit (LLC) but not the much more generous American Opportunity Credit (AOC or AOTC)

[mandylankford420]

Help. I dont understand why I am not receiving any tax break for my education?

[SweetieJean]

@mandylankford420 Are you a dependent?

[mandylankford420]

No I am not. Box 1 has a total of $14,384 listed. Last year when I did my taxes, I remember receiving quite a large break for my education piece. I am full time, graduate student.