topic Can I claim preschool tuition for my granddaughter without claiming her as a dependent..? in Education

Can I claim preschool tuition for my granddaughter without claiming her as a dependent..?

beckyromero92 — Tue, 10 Feb 2026 09:13:12 GMT

How do I claim preschool tuition for my granddaughter without claiming her as a dependent?

Re: Can I claim preschool tuition for my granddaughter without claiming her as a dependent..?

DoninGA — Mon, 29 Jan 2024 19:30:09 GMT

You cannot claim any education expenses for her if she is not a dependent on your tax return.

Re: Can I claim preschool tuition for my granddaughter without claiming her as a dependent..?

Hal_Al — Mon, 29 Jan 2024 19:35:28 GMT

Q. Can I claim preschool tuition for my granddaughter without claiming her as a dependent?

A. No. But, the parents may be able to claim what you paid, depending on what tax benefit, you're asking about.

The general rule is that a taxpayer must actually make the payment to get the deduction. However, there is a tax court ruling that seems to say that he/she can take the deduction even if you were they one that actually paid it under the theory that your paying the expense is just a gift to him, and it was therefore really his money that paid it.