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Filing unemployment as student

Forum|Forum|1 year ago
December 24, 2024
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can I file taxes not having a job b it being a full time student who’s independent

Best answer by Hal_Al

You are asking if you "can" file, rather than if you are required to file. What is it that you expect to get by filing?

There's a new urban myth among college students that says they can get a $1000 from the government just for filing a tax form. For most of them, they simply aren't eligible. A full time unmarried student, under age 24 (or an orphan), even if you don't qualify as a dependent, is only eligible for the refundable portion of the American Opportunity Credit if he supports himself by working. You cannot be supporting yourself on parental support, 529 plans or student loans & grants. It is usually best if the parent claims that credit.

You cannot claim the (up to) $1000 refundable credit if you are, or can be, claimed as a dependent by someone else.

Reference: Line 7 instructions for form 8863.

https://www.irs.gov/instructions/i8863#en_US_2024_publink53002gd0e674

https://www.irs.gov/instructions/i8863

But, if you are a student, over age 23 (or an orphan), and are not claimed as a dependent by someone else (e.g. your parent) you may be eligible for the up to $1000 refundable American Opportunity (tuition) Credit. That credit is not dependent on having either kids or earned income. You must be at least a half time undergraduate student. There's even a loop hole available to claim the credit, if you are on scholarship.

M

Mike9241

see this IRS webpage where you can check to see if you should or need to file.

https://www.irs.gov/help/ita/do-i-need-to-file-a-tax-return

X

xmasbaby0

Employee

Do you mean you have been receiving unemployment benefits----or do you mean you just have not had a job?

**Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to offer the most correct information possible. The poster disclaims any legal responsibility for the accuracy of the information that is contained in this post.**

A

Anyahwhite03Author

Have not had a job

Hal_AlAnswer

Employee

You are asking if you "can" file, rather than if you are required to file. What is it that you expect to get by filing?

There's a new urban myth among college students that says they can get a $1000 from the government just for filing a tax form. For most of them, they simply aren't eligible. A full time unmarried student, under age 24 (or an orphan), even if you don't qualify as a dependent, is only eligible for the refundable portion of the American Opportunity Credit if he supports himself by working. You cannot be supporting yourself on parental support, 529 plans or student loans & grants. It is usually best if the parent claims that credit.

You cannot claim the (up to) $1000 refundable credit if you are, or can be, claimed as a dependent by someone else.

Reference: Line 7 instructions for form 8863.

https://www.irs.gov/instructions/i8863#en_US_2024_publink53002gd0e674

https://www.irs.gov/instructions/i8863

But, if you are a student, over age 23 (or an orphan), and are not claimed as a dependent by someone else (e.g. your parent) you may be eligible for the up to $1000 refundable American Opportunity (tuition) Credit. That credit is not dependent on having either kids or earned income. You must be at least a half time undergraduate student. There's even a loop hole available to claim the credit, if you are on scholarship.

davekro

Kudos to you, Hal, for giving a full, detailed explanation of a topic which the OP may have been referring to, even though the OP's question was lacking context, complete words, and even punctuation. Although it would have been difficult for the OP to invest less time and thought in his/her request for help, you generously gave of your time and talent to help. You are a good soul and a force for good on the 'internets'. ;o)

Merry Christmas Eve,

Dave