Education expenses

You can claim the education expenses if the student is your dependent.

You don't "deduct" education expenses, such as books, but you can add the expenses for books and supplies that are not listed on the 1098-T when you enter Form 1098-T.

If the student is not your dependent, they can claim the expenses you, or anyone else, paid for his education related expenses.

If the student is your dependent:

Enter Form 1098-T (the student might have the copy) under 

• Deductions and Credits
• Education
• Expenses and Scholarships (Form 1098-T) 

Enter the 1098-T and complete the ENTIRE Education interview. 

Add the additional expenses, such as books that are not listed on the 1098-T in this section. 

Education credits are based on expenses, so the addition of books may increase the credit.

If your student-dependent is a grad student, books are not an eligible expense for the tuition credit, unless they were included in the course tuition/fees.