Can i file my 1098-T separate from my w2 and still get credit?

Q. Can i file my 1098-T separate from my w2 and still get credit?

A. No. You only file one tax "return" (set of tax forms).  All relevant data is included on that one tax  filing.

A student's eligibility for a tax credit goes with his "exemption" (dependency status).  If you are or can be claimed as a dependent, you may not claim an education credit. The person claiming you as  a dependent claims the credit based on your education, even if you paid the expenses.

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, 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. You usually must have actually paid tuition, not had it paid by scholarships & grants.  It is usually best if the parent claims that credit.