If the entire distribution was used for qualified education expenses, even if you are listed as the beneficiary, it should not have any tax consequence on your return. To enter it in TurboTax:
- Open or continue your return.
- Select Federal and then Deductions & Credits.
- Scroll down to the Education section under All tax breaks.
- Select Show more and select Start or Revisit next to ESA and 529 qualified tuition programs (Form 1099-Q).
- Follow the screens to enter your info. Select yourself as the recipient* and under Who's the student? select your child.
- Enter the 1099-Q and answer the follow-up questions. When you are returned to Form 1099-Q Summary, select Done
- Select the level of school your child attended
- Enter your child's expenses after answering the question about qualified education loans
* If you or your spouse are not the recipient, but instead your child, then the 1099-Q does not need to be included on your tax return. If the entire amount of the distribution was not used for qualified education expenses and your child is listed as the recipient, you may need to file a tax return for them. Otherwise, if the entire distribution is used, nothing has to be filed for the 1099-Q.
