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March 3, 2025
Question

I am a full-time student. I am worried that if I file jointly with my husband this year that it will take away my refund money from the school. How should I file?

  • March 3, 2025
  • 2 replies
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Jointed or separated? I know I will make more money from taxes, but I am worried about going to school for free

    2 replies

    March 3, 2025

    You cannot claim Education Credits when your filing status is Married Filing Separately.  

     

    When you say going to school for free, if your getting scholarships or grants based on your tax filing, then you will need to weigh the pros and cons to filing separately.  Many people file separately for education reasons knowing that they forfeit tax credits.  This comes down to a personal decision on which way is best for you. 

     

    How Should You and Your Spouse File Taxes? Married Filing Jointly vs Separately

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    Hal_Al
    Employee
    March 3, 2025

    "I am worried that if I file jointly with my husband this year that it will take away my refund money from the school."

    You need to explain what that means.  I have never heard that before. 

     

    Married filing jointly (MFJ) is almost always better.  As others have said, you are prohibited from claiming the tuition credit if you file Married filing Separately (MFS). Those are you only two choices. You are not allowed to file Single. 

     

    Many loan companies require you to file MFS in order to qualify for reduced student loan payments. That's a choice you have to make in that situation.

     

    If you're thinking of allowing your parents to claim you as  a dependent, so they can get the tuition credit, see that discussion at 

    https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/taxes/discussion/can-i-claim-my-daughter-who-got-married-on-december-19th-2015/00/36733