turbotax icon
cancel
Showing results for 
Search instead for 
Did you mean: 
turbotax icon
cancel
Showing results for 
Search instead for 
Did you mean: 
Close icon
Do you have a TurboTax Online account?

We'll help you get started or pick up where you left off.

College Expenses for Child of Divorced Parents

My daughter turned 18 last April and started college in the Fall of 2021. I claim her as a dependent on my tax return and her mother claims our son on her return. Her mother and I split our daughter's college expenses 50/50. Her mother is technically the owner of our daughter's 529 plan, but we fund the account evenly. How do we account for college expenses on our tax returns? Do I claim all of her expenses since she is technically my dependent? Or does her mother claim them since she is technically writing the checks out of the 529 account? Can we (ideally) split them? Any guidance is greatly appreciated.

Connect with an expert
x
Do you have an Intuit account?

Do you have an Intuit account?

You'll need to sign in or create an account to connect with an expert.

2 Replies
ColeenD3
Expert Alumni

College Expenses for Child of Divorced Parents

 If the funds cover the expenses and there is nothing taxable due to paying for items not covered, then it is a moot point.

 

If there is an education credit to be claimed, only you can claim it. What you can do is see the benefit you get from the credit and give the mother a portion of the money.

College Expenses for Child of Divorced Parents

Thank you. I was actually going to do that - that is, split any benefit that I might receive equally with her mother. So thanks for confirming that aspect.

message box icon

Get more help

Ask questions and learn more about your taxes and finances.

Post your Question
Manage cookies