Why didn't I get a credit or deduction for education expenses?

To get a credit or deduction for education expenses, you have to pay tuition or related costs for yourself, your spouse, or another dependent on your return. If you paid tuition or other education expenses for someone who's claimed on another person's return, you won't qualify.

If any of these things are true, you also won't qualify:

• Your filing status is married filing separately.
• Your Adjusted Gross Income on your tax return is too high.
  • American Opportunity Tax Credit limit is $90,000 ($180,000 for joint returns).
  • Lifetime Learning credit limit is $65,000 ($130,000 for joint returns).
  • Tuition and Fees Deduction limit is $80,000 ($160,000 for joint returns).
• Your expenses were paid with tax-free scholarships, fellowships, grants, education savings account funds, tax-free savings bond interest, or employer-provided education assistance.

Related Information:

• Who is eligible to take the American Opportunity Tax Credit?
• What expenses qualify for the American Opportunity Tax Credit and which ones do not?
• Who is eligible for the Lifetime Learning Credit?
• What expenses qualify for the Lifetime Learning Credit?
• What is the Tuition and Fees Deduction?

It is an urban myth that you can get a $1,000 Federal tax refund just for being in college.  Most college students are dependents, and thus do not qualify.  Are you perhaps asking  about a proposed state tax credit?