20 year old file own taxes can i claim my education credit if i also filed unemployment

Forum|Forum|5 years ago
February 15, 2021
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was not claimed by parents

TurboTax Deluxe Online

mglauner

Yes, if you paid 'out of pocket' Education Expenses (not covered by Scholarships/Grants) you may qualify for an Education Credit.

If you paid your education expenses with Unemployment Income (or other income, such as student loans), this is still considered to be paid by you.

If you weren't at least a half-time student for five months during 2020, you won't qualify for the American Opportunity Credit, but may still qualify for the Lifetime Learning Credit.

Click this link for more info on Education Credits.

Hal_Al

Employee

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, 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 with earned income (unemployment is not earned income). You cannot be supporting yourself on parental support, 529 plans, unemployment, or student loans & grants. You usually must have actually paid tuition, not had it paid by scholarships & grants. It is usually best if the parent claims that credit.

You cannot claim a credit if you are, or can be, claimed as a dependent by someone else.