I was in college for the spring of 2017. I paid my tuition in Dec 2016. Can I deduct this on my 2017 taxes? If not, can I get any kind of eduction credit for 2017?

No kind of education credit was taken in 2016 so I have never had any credit as I am new to filing taxes. Just now began working. My parents also did not take any education credit for me.

posted

So you did not need to file in 2016? According to the IRS Pub 970 : "You can't use any amount you paid in 2016 or 2018 to figure the qualified education expenses you use to figure your 2017 education credits.

So according to the IRS you have to claim that expense in 2016. Also, if your parents claimed you in 2016 as a dependent, they would qualify to claim the credit.

I think your only option (provided the expenses were PAID in 2016) is see if your parents want to amend their return and claim the credit. If there is $4000 of qualifying tuition and you were at least a half-time student, the credit could result in a $2500 tax savings.