<p>I was originally going to fill out a 1040ez but I have fees that I paid for college classes in high school that I can claim. My parents already filed theirs so I'm going to put it on my 1040A</p>
<p>2 questions:</p>
<p>I paid for 2 classes from 2 different universities and from both I received a 1098-T. However the only thing I see on 1040A that relates to education claims is line 19. And it says for me to attach Form 8917. But I have a 1098-T. Which makes me think that this is not the line I'm supposed to put it in (?).</p>
<p>Also, for one of my classes the fee was due November of 2013. They were not that strict and I was a bit tight on money and paid in March 2014. But they sent the 1098-T in January and on the 1098-T it says I can claim education credits that were "actually paid in 2013". I'm guessing I can't claim what I paid for this class??</p>
<p>What are you reporting on your tax return? Did you earn money from a job? If so, how much? If you have no tax liability and have been claimed as a dependent on your parents’ return, then you likely don’t even have to delve into IRS Publication 970 (where you can learn all about the various tax benefits for education). </p>
<p>If you are filing a tax return because you had wages and if you made less than $6,100 and are being claimed by your parents then there is no reason to include the fees paid for college classes while in high school because your tax liability is already zero. You do not qualify for the AOC only the LIfetime Learning credit. But again, you can’t go below zero.</p>
<p>If you made more than that and are being claimed by your parents, you still don’t get the credit because they claim you. </p>
<p>If you’re claiming yourself, which you can’t, because you’re in high school, then let your parents know to include it on their return.</p>
<p>If your parents claimed you, THEY claim the education credits, not you. You can’t just decide to report on yours. If you support yourself, you claim it, but not directly on the 1040. IRS publication 970 explains all. You will need to attach form 8863, not 8917 which is for tuition and fees deduction.</p>
<p>^^^as said above, you cannot claim the education tax credits if your parents claim the exemption for you. Only the person claiming the exemption can claim the credit.</p>
<p>If they did not claim you as a deduction, you are still not eligible for the American Opportunity credit as, being in high school still, you were not at least half time and you are not in a degree seeking program. You would probably be eligible for the lifetime credit. It is a non refundable credit which means you only benefit if you have a tax liability.</p>