Education

The key in your question is that your son is not your dependent.  Here is the reason you cannot utilize your son's education expense from his Form 1098-T in 2021.

Claiming someone as a dependent or allowing them to claim themselves is not a choice or an option. The rules for claiming a dependent can be reviewed at the link below.  Only the taxpayer who is eligible is allowed and even if the parent doesn't claim a child, the child is not allowed to claim themselves unless they qualify.

• Rules for claiming a dependent on your tax return

Who can claim the education credit?

There are additional rules for each credit, but you must meet all three of the following for either credit:

1. You, your dependent or a third party pays qualified education expenses for higher education.
2. An eligible student must be enrolled at an eligible educational institution.
3. The eligible student is yourself, your spouse or a dependent you list on your tax return.
   • Use the link above to review more information about the education credit.

Details about the Form 1099-Q for college savings can be viewed at this link: What is IRS Form 1099-Q?

• The distribution is claimed on the persons return whose social security number (SSN) is shown on the Form 1099-Q that should have been received.

• Where do I report Form 1099-Q?

• When the money goes directly from the Qualified Tuition Plan (QTP) to the school, the student is the "recipient".

  The 1099-Q gets reported on the recipient's return if the recipient's name & SSN are on the 1099-Q.

Once you compare your situation to the information you will be able to proceed with your tax return.  Please update here if you need further assistance.