topic College Dependent in Education

College Dependent

hose3 — Mon, 09 Mar 2026 10:44:08 GMT

My college student has unearned income over $4k and no earned income. He received his 1098T. Parent wages is $200k. Since I am capped at $10K, can he claim himself as a dependent and maybe able to qualify for the American Opportunity Act or do I have to? I will not be claiming him nor his 1098T. Is this allowed?

Re: College Dependent

Bsch4477 — Thu, 14 Apr 2022 02:04:55 GMT

He files his own return saying that while someone else can claim him, no one will claim him. He can then claim the non refundable portion of the AOC but not the refundable portion. You don’t claim him but be aware that because of his unearned income he will have be subject to the Kiddie tax so some of that income will be taxed at your tax rate. TurboTax will calculate all that for you.

Re: College Dependent

DavidD66 — Thu, 14 Apr 2022 02:09:08 GMT

Yes, your son can file, report the 1098-T and take the American Opportunity Credit.

Re: College Dependent

hose3 — Thu, 14 Apr 2022 02:28:04 GMT

What happen if I check None of the above instead of someone else can claim him on their tax return and no one will claim him. Is this allowed?

Re: College Dependent

hose3 — Thu, 14 Apr 2022 02:43:12 GMT

Under the question, Did he pay for more than half of his living expenses, Do I choose No, so it doesn't show up as Dependent on my tax return.

Re: College Dependent

Bsch4477 — Thu, 14 Apr 2022 02:58:55 GMT

On his return check someone else can claim him and no one else will claim him because that is your situation. Answer all questions truthfully. On your return do not mention him at all.

Re: College Dependent

Hal_Al — Thu, 14 Apr 2022 12:59:36 GMT

Q. What happen if I check None of the above instead of someone else can claim him on their tax return and no one will claim him. Is this allowed?

A. No. That's simply not true. He can be claimed as a dependent. But, you can choose not to claim him, to allow him to claim the non refundable education credit. You will probably lose the $500 Other Dependent credit, so you're probably only gonna break even, by doing so. The credit for “other dependents” phases out if you earn more than $400,000 and are married and filing jointly or more than $200,000 for all other taxpayers.

Q. Under the question, Did he pay for more than half of his living expenses, Do I choose No, so it doesn't show up as Dependent on my tax return.

A. No. Simply saying earlier that he won't be claimed takes care of that. He MUST indicate on his return that he CAN be claimed.