Claiming college expenses

[Susan91]

My son and I have a deal--I pay his college tuition, and he pays for his living expenses. This means that he will be working while going to college and will have to file federal income tax. Can I still claim him as a dependent?  Can I still claim his tuition as an expense?

[MarianneK · Accepted solution]

Hello Susan91, 

Thank you for joining us today.  

As I understand your question, you will be paying your son's college tuition and he will pay his living expenses.   You would like to know if you will still claim him on your tax return and be eligible for any Education Benefits.  

I will assume your son is under age 24 and a full-time student for at least 5 months of the year.  Since he will be in college, you will still claim him on your tax return and take any education credits for which you qualify.   The school will issue a Form 1098-T in the student's name.   So be sure your son gives you this form.  You will use this form on your tax return.   

Your son will fill out his own tax return.  Be sure he does not claim himself.   Because he will be a dependent on your tax return, he will not qualify for any education credits.   Since he will not be paying any tuition, this will not matter.   

I'm going to attach a nice link to some additional information for you to review.   

What are Education Tax Credits?