Hello, 1)If I updated my address with this return, will I still have to notify the IRS of change of address? 2)How come my return was $0 if I paid 10K on college tuition?

 
SusanY1
Expert Alumni

Education

Updating your address on your tax return will update it with the IRS once the return is processed.  It is not necessary to complete a separate notification of change of address.

 

Your tax refund or balance due is a function of all of the data on your return.  Paying college tuition does not generate a tax refund if there aren't other factors on the return that would allow for a refund.  In order to receive a tax refund you would also need to have:

  • Income; (in most cases)
  • Taxes withheld; and/or
  • Refundable credits

College students under the age of 24 who have at least one living parent are not entitled to the refundable portion of the American Opportunity Credit for college tuition. This credit is only allowed to be claimed by the parent who is entitled to claim the student as a dependent. The Lifetime Learning Credit, which can be claimed by graduate students does not have a refundable portion.  

 

Students over the age of 24 or students with no living parent or who are emancipated by a court order may be eligible for the refundable portion of the credit if they have not yet earned their first four-year college degree.  

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Hal_Al
Level 15

Education

As SusanY1 said,  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, 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

You cannot claim a credit if you are, or can be, claimed as a dependent by someone else. It is usually best if the parent claims that credit.  But, in order to do so, the parent must be claiming you as a dependent.