Why is it that I am not eligible for an education credit? I paid for my own education

Forum|Forum|6 years ago
March 14, 2020
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TurboTax Free Edition Online

JotikaT2

It depends.

If you are being claimed as a dependent on someone else's return, they would be the taxpayer's who would be able to claim the education credits.

On a side note, I do notice you are in TurboTax free edition of the software. You may need to upgrade if you are not being claimed as a dependent in order to claim the education credits on your tax return.

If you determine you are eligible to claim the credit, you will enter you information in the federal section of the program.

Select "Deductions & Credits"
Select "Expenses and Scholarships (Form 1098-T)" and click start
Select Edit to review your information for the 1098-T

Continue through the screens and answer the questions as applicable. TurboTax will determine which credit you qualify for based upon your answers.

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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, 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.

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

If you are eligible, you have answered something wrong, in the interview. But, a lot of people are just not eligible. See https://www.irs.gov/Individuals/AOTC