topic Re: Dependent college student in Education

Dependent college student

Marlame — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 11:30:56 GMT

On my 19 year old son's return he checked that he is a dependent on our return (he's full time college student) but TT is showing he qualifies for a standard deduction of $6070. Can someone tell me why it is showing that?

Re: Dependent college student

xmasbaby0 — Sun, 26 Feb 2023 22:23:16 GMT

The standard deduction amount for an individual who may be claimed as a dependent by another taxpayer cannot exceed the greater of $1,100 or the sum of $400 and the individual’s earned income (not to exceed the regular standard deduction amount).

Re: Dependent college student

Marlame — Sun, 26 Feb 2023 23:06:19 GMT

I know that. But it's TT that is imposing the standard deduction, not us. Question is why would TT put that standard deduction in his return despite checking that he is a dependent on his parents return?

Re: Dependent college student

xmasbaby0 — Sun, 26 Feb 2023 23:16:33 GMT

No---TurboTax is not imposing that standard deduction. TurboTax is following the tax LAW -- passed by Congress--- that says his standard deduction is that amount since he can be claimed as a dependent.

Re: Dependent college student

Hal_Al — Mon, 27 Feb 2023 00:02:31 GMT

Regular tax payers (who are not dependents) get a standard deduction of $12,950. Dependents also are allowed a standard deduction, it's just not a fixed $12,950. A dependent's standard deduction is the larger of $1150 or his earned income + $400. If TT is calculating his standard deduction to be $6070, it probably means he has a w-2 for $5670.

Re: Dependent college student

Marlame — Mon, 27 Feb 2023 01:14:34 GMT

Yes! Thanks. We're working thru how to report 529 draw and the tuition report from the college. I see from other responses that if the qualified educational expenses equal or exceed the 529 draw there is no need to even include those 1099/8's and also not needed for us since income exceeds amount to take the AOC, etc. credits. But TT doesn't make that clear at all.