incorrent "someone else can claim dependent"

[asymptote]

There is a blatant bug in TurboTax and making me REALLY wish i hadnt paid for it and just used FreeTaxFile because all the support channels are just "you must be an idiot" I very clearly have indicated that my son is ONLY claimed by me on my form, but when i try to do the credit for American Opportunity it tells me he is ineligible because someone else can claim him as a dependent. When i try to ask why, the support bot tells me that i probably need to figure out who else is claiming him. Unless his monther came back from the grave and is filing somewhere i have no idea how turbotax would even know. I got so frustrated that i went and filled everything out on FreeTaxFile and low and behold... we are eligible there... yet this product bot is insisting "there is no bug... pay no attention to the man behind the curtain"

[xmasbaby0]

In MY INFO there is a question that asks if anyone else supported your child or if there is an agreement with another parent-----go back and see how you answered that question in MY INFO.

[asymptote]

Of course i checked that.

My point is - there is a serious bug in the software.  I'm trying to report it and all everyone wants to say is "no - it works fine"

If no one wants to acknowlege that perhaps there is a bug in the software thats fine... there are plenty of alternatives.  

Crazy that I'm trying to do the right thing and report a SERIOUS bug and im being treated like im an idiot 

[VolvoGirl]

Another thing to try is to DELETE your son and then re add him.  Deleting usually clears something out.   I've also seen posts that say to clear your cache and cookies.  Sometimes it gets stuck.  

[k1o5]

I tried to delete the child that "didn't qualify because they could be claimed by someone else". Now as I add the student back, the data boxes for additional expenses, such as room and board do not populate.  Even if it will not let me apply the credit, now I will be taxed on the 529 withdrawals.  How do I fix this?

[AmyC]

IRS Publication 970, Tax Benefits for Education states that nontaxable distributions should not be entered. The 529 is not taxable when used on eligible expenses along with qualified room and board.

If you do have a taxable distribution, enter whatever offsets part of the Q. You probably just want to enter the 1098-T for the education credit if you qualify and have $4k of wiggle room. Ceck to see if you qualify for any college credits. Currently:

• For the full credit, your MAGI (modified adjusted gross income) is less than $80,000 ($160,000 if you're filing jointly)
• For a reduced credit, your MAGI is between $80,000 and $90,000 ($160,000 and $180,000 if you're filing jointly)
• There is no credit given if your MAGI is above $90,000 ($180,000 if you’re filing jointly)

If you :

• qualify to claim education credit, your goal is $4,000 spent on tuition for maximum credit. The IRS allows juggling numbers. We can dig into your situation to figure out the best method for you and your student.
  •  Qualified Education Expenses - Internal Revenue Service: Enter the 1098-T with $4,000 tuition and zero scholarship to get the program to easily give the correct credit. The 1098-T is informational and need not be entered as received. You don't need to enter anything  for expenses.  
  • On student return: Enter the 1098-T with the remainder of the tuition (after the $4,000 you took out) and any scholarship amount.  Enter additional expenses, books, other required expenses. There may or may not be a small tax liability.
• don't qualify: No credit  on your return. No need to enter the 1098-T.

If you need extra time, filing an extension by April 15, 2026, moves your submission deadline to October 15. But remember any taxes owed are still due in full by the original April 15 date.  Pay through either Direct Pay or your individual online account. See if you need to file a state extension.

@k1o5