Claiming credit on educational expenses

[jvenkatrao]

I have a son who is a full time undergraduate student and he did not earn any income in 2020.
His qualified educational expeses in 2020 were paid by
    - Scholarships from University
    - Distribution from 529 plan
    - Student loan
    - Parents' out of pocket

Does he need to file taxes in 2020 to claim the credit on his educational expenses ?

[JotikaT2]

No, assuming he is claimed as a dependent on your tax return, any educational credits would be reported on your tax return as his parent.

Go back to the Federal section of the program to enter your 1098-T information: 

1. Select Deductions & Credits 
2. Select Expenses and Scholarships (Form 1098-T) and click start 
3. Select Edit to the right of your student's name to review or input your information for the 1098-T 
4. Or you can Add a student  if needed on this section

See the links below for additional information on the credits/deductions available in regards to your son's education expenses.

Chart comparing credits

Tuition & fees deduction

[jvenkatrao]

My other question is - since my son is claimed by his other parent as dependent for 2020, should that parent only claim all these educational  expenses as well  ? The out of pocket educational expenses were paid by me and not the other parent. 

[MaryK4]

Yes, the parent who claims the student as a dependent gets to claim the Education Credits.