If you file independent and claim your tuition and fees from the 1098-T, and your mother tries to claim you after your return has been accepted, her return will be rejected by the IRS. This will require her to paper file her return if she wishes to try to claim you. The IRS will then work to sort out the situation between you both. It can cause a delay in your refund and require you to have to amend your return.
You should make a decision prior to filing as how you will be claimed. If you have little income, it may not make sense for you to claim yourself and the education credits if your income will already be offset by the standard deduction. The education credits can reduce your tax liability, but if your income is low enough, you might not have a tax liability to begin with.
There is a refundable portion of the American Opportunity Credit up to $1,000. However, there are restrictions on qualification. See more information in the links below.
Education Credits
American Opportunity Tax Credit
What is the Lifetime Learning Credit
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