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Even if, she cannot claim you as a dependent, you may not be able to claim the credit.  To get the refundable credit, more that half you support must come from "earned income" (working).  Repeated from above: 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. It is usually best if the parent claims that credit.  You cannot claim the (up to) $1000 refundable credit if you are, or can be, claimed as a dependent by someone else.   Reference: Line 7 instructions for form 8863. https://www.irs.gov/instructions/i8863#en_US_2024_publink53002gd0e674   If the student actually has a tax liability, there is a provision to allow him to claim a non-refundable tuition credit. But then the parent must forgo claiming the student as a dependent, and the $500 other dependent credit.  The student must still indicate that he can be claimed as a dependent, on his return. This is worth up to $2500 (AOTC shifts to all non refundable)