Hal_Al
Level 15

Education

As to the $1584 scholarship, you decide which year it goes against.  Just be consistent . If you treat as 2022 on your 2022 return, don't treat it as 2023 on your 2023 return. I would call it 2022, based on your description. This is a common problem, we see in this forum.

 

Based on the results, it appears you you have successfully enter things in TT (I get $1782 also*).   There should be no penalty (having scholarship and using the AOC are penalty exceptions). Verify that on form 5329. 

 

There is an alternative: have her claim the $3834 of scholarship as taxable income**.  That reduces the $1782 to about $204. Saves about $140 in tax.  It may get a little tricky entering in TT, but  I think I can walk you through it. 

 

 

*3404 + 7262 + 6139 = 16805 QEE (qualified educational expenses)

16805 - 4000 (used for AOC) -3834 Scholarship = 8971 QEE available for 1099-Q

8971 / 13300 = 67.45% tax free

0.3255 x 5472 = $1782 taxable portion of the distribution

 

** So, how can reporting $3834 of income be better than reporting $1782 of income? Scholarships are a hybrid between earned and unearned income. It is earned income for purposes of the $12,950 filing requirement and the dependent standard deduction calculation (earned income + $400).  The $1782 is unearned income.  So, even though it's reported as income, it doesn't get taxed. It is not earned income for the kiddie tax and  IRA contributions.

 

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