I don’t qualify for tuition credit for no reason

Forum|Forum|1 month ago
April 15, 2026
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It says I do not qualify for tuition credit but my mom did everything that your ex experts told her to so that I would be able to get it

TurboTax Online

Hal_Al

Level 15

There's a new urban myth among college students that says they can get a $1000 from the government just for filing a tax form. For most of them, they simply aren't eligible. A full time unmarried student, under age 24, even if you don't qualify as a dependent, is only eligible for the refundable portion of the American Opportunity Credit if he supports himself by working. You cannot be supporting yourself on parental support, 529 plans or student loans & grants. It is usually best if the parent claims that credit.

You cannot claim the (up to) $1000 refundable credit if you are, or can be, claimed as a dependent by someone else*.

Reference: Line 7 instructions for form 8863.

https://www.irs.gov/instructions/i8863#en_US_2024_publink53002gd0e674

*If the student actually has a tax liability, there is a provision to allow him to claim a non-refundable tuition credit. But then the parent must forgo claiming the student as a dependent, and the $500 other dependent credit. The student must still indicate that he can be claimed as a dependent, on his return. This is worth up to $2500 (AOTC shifts to all non refundable).