According to the IRS instructions for Form 8863 Education Credits, "Qualified education expenses paid on behalf of the student by someone other than the student (such as a relative) are treated as paid by the student. Qualified education expenses paid (or treated as paid) by a student who is claimed as a dependent on your tax return are treated as paid by you."
This means that your son can use the education expenses paid by you on his behalf on his return to qualify and claim an education tax benefit, assuming all the qualifications are met.
There is no need to do anything with regard to your taxes or his taxes to designate that tuition payment as a 'gift' and there is no tax implication for either of you.
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