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January 29, 2025
Question

Won’t let me file 1098t

  • January 29, 2025
  • 1 reply
  • 0 views
  • it won’t let me file my 1098t I’m 19 but have been leaving on my own since 18 and turn 20 in April. I am an independent student when I do my fasts because I was adopted from my parents. Why isn’t it letting me file. I am a full time student.

1 reply

Hal_Al
Employee
January 29, 2025

You're not eligible, even though you're living on your own and are independent.

 

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 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

 

In the personal info section, of TurboTax (TT), you will be asked the earned income support question after indicating your age (birthdate) and that you are not being claimed as a dependent.  To get the credit, you must answer yes.