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How do I claim Education Credits?

Article ID: 33290  

Question
How do I claim Education Credits?

Answer

If the taxpayer(or their dependent) paid qualified expenses during the tax year for theirself, their spouse, or their eligible dependent to enroll in or attend an eligible educational institution, they may be able to take an Education Credit. See Form 8863 Instructions for details. (We will calculate your credit based on information your provide).

However, you CANNOT take an Education Credit if ANY of the following apply:

  • Taxpayer is claimed as a dependent on someone's (such as their parent's) tax return for the year
  • Their filing status is Married Filing Separately.
  • The amount on Form 1040, line 38 is $90,000 or more ($180,000 or more if Married Filing Jointly).
  • They are taking a deduction for tuition and fees on Form 1040, line 34, for the same student.
  • Primary taxpayer (or spouse) were a nonresident alien for any part of the tax year unless the filing status is Married Filing Jointly.

Rules That Apply to Both Credits

What Expenses Qualify?
Generally, qualified expenses are amounts paid during the tax year for tuition and fees required for the student's enrollment or attendance at an eligible educational institution. It does not matter whether the expenses were paid in cash, by check, by credit card, or with borrowed funds.

Qualified expenses do not include amounts paid for:

  • Room and board, insurance, medical expenses (including student health fees), transportation, or other similar personal, living, or family expenses.
  • Course-related books, supplies, equipment, and nonacademic activities, except for fees required to be paid to the institution as a condition of enrollment or attendance.
  • Any course or other education involving sports, games, or hobbies, unless such course or other education is part of the student's degree program or (for the Lifetime Learning Credit only) helps the student to acquire or improve job skills.

Article Details
Views: 2174 Created on: Jun 15, 2013