Q. That's only 4 months, so do I get no deduction?
A. No.
The 5 month rule does not affect YOUR eligibility for a tuition credit. The 5 month rule only affects whether parents can claim a student as a dependent. In fact, the most generous credit (The American Opportunity Credit) only requires that you be half time or more for some part of an academic term. So, Sep to Dec, you qualify, if you were a degree candidate. The lesser credit (Lifetime Learning Credit) is even less restrictive.
