topic I have tuition expenses on 1098t, but urbo tax tells me that I have no net qualified education expenses - does tuition not count as an education expense? in Education

I have tuition expenses on 1098t, but urbo tax tells me that I have no net qualified education expenses - does tuition not count as an education expense?

sushiq2 — Sat, 27 Mar 2021 17:52:17 GMT

Re: I have tuition expenses on 1098t, but urbo tax tells me that I have no net qualified educatio...

KathrynG3 — Sat, 27 Mar 2021 18:17:35 GMT

You are correct, tuition counts as an education expense.

However, you cannot claim an education credit if claimed as a dependent on someone else's return.

If you are eligible, then to claim qualified education expenses, follow these steps:

Inside TurboTax with your return open, go to the search box and enter 1098t.
Select the Jump to link in the search results.
- The payments will be listed in Box 1, which will report tuition and related expenses.
- Report Form 1098-T exactly as it was received.
- Complete the rest of the interview.

For more information, see: Where do I enter Form 1098-T?

For more information about what education expense tax breaks are available, see:

The Lowdown on Education Tax Breaks - TurboTax Tax Tips & Videos

Re: I have tuition expenses on 1098t, but urbo tax tells me that I have no net qualified educatio...

Hal_Al — Sat, 27 Mar 2021 18:23:47 GMT

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. You usually must have actually paid tuition, not had it paid by scholarships & grants. It is usually best if the parent claims that credit.

You cannot claim a credit if you are, or can be, claimed as a dependent by someone else.

If you are eligible, you have answered something wrong, in the interview. But, a lot of people are just not eligible. See https://www.irs.gov/Individuals/AOTC

https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/american-opportunity-tax-credit-questions-and-answers

https://www.irs.gov/individuals/llc

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f8917.pdf

Re: I have tuition expenses on 1098t, but urbo tax tells me that I have no net qualified educatio...

sushiq2 — Sat, 27 Mar 2021 19:27:41 GMT

Hi -

Thank you so much for taking the time to reply!

Turbo tax doesn't allow many characters for questions, so I was not able to include much information. I was a full time grad student for much of 2020, with > 10,000 in tuition expenses. I am single, well-over 24 and not anyone's dependent.

After reading your last included pdf - I think it may be a case of exceeding the allowed modified adjusted gross income. Thank you so much for your reply and included links.