Hal_Al
Level 15

Education

You do.

 The education deduction/credit goes with the student's exemption (dependency). If they claim you, they claim it.  If they are not eligible to claim you (not just whether they actually claim you), then you claim it on your return. 

 

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. You usually must have actually paid tuition, not had it paid by scholarships & grants.  It is usually best if the parent claims that credit.