I just started college, I paid for it myself, with no Financial aid, can I claim it?
Question:
Answer:
You bet you can claim it!!
When you are ready to file, use turbotax.com and it will walk you through everything.
If you know how much you paid in tuition and such, you can e-file without the 1098-T.
Good luck!
If you paid for the school yourself you can deduct the amount on the 1098-T from your income. Problem is, since you're under 24 and still in school your mom can still claim you as a dependent if she wants. If you had wages in 2006 you can file your own tax return. Clarify with your mom if she plans to claim you. If not you can file on your own and deduct the tuition. Good luck.
Some of your tuition expenses may be qualified for deduction. Usually the amount reported on your 1098-t is what you are allowed to claim. Check out Publication 970 on the IRS website for the guidelines for claiming a tuition and fees deduction and the Hope or Lifetime Learning Credit. Note that publication 970 has not been updated since 2005 but is still used for 2006 returns.
You won't be able to file a 1040EZ, you'll file a 1040. But as long as your mom isn't claiming you, yes you can take an education credit. You don't have to itemize to do that.
If you're in your first two years of college, you can take a Hope Credit, otherwise you'll take the Lifetime Learning credit. The Hope credit would normally give you more money. You'll use form 8863 for either of them.
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