Gulf Coast Zone Hope Tax Credit ??

<p>We've just dscovered, in doing our taxes, that the Hope tax credit has been doubled for the next two years for those who have attended a "Gulf Coast Hurricane Zone" institution beginning any time in 2005 or 2006 (with all normal restrictions and guidelines, of course). We assume that, since our freshman son was officially a Tulane student throughout the entire time he spent at Cornell (and is at Tulane once again now), that he qualifies for this additional credit even though he spent only a morning at Tulane before he had to evacuate. But one hates to be the least bit unsure of these things. Does anyone know for certain? It would certainly go a long way toward making up for three move-in trips and all those replacement costs!</p>

<p>I think you would qualify
Tulane was certainly affected even if the students hadn't really gotten settled yet</p>

<p>DH hasn't done our taxes yet, but I think there is some sort of tax relief built in. I know that if we submit the proper paper work we can get money for simple things like a generator. YOU cannot claim residency, obviously, on the Gulf Coast, but I think you may be able to get some tax credit/relief/deduction because of the expenses from the dependent student. Be warned, it may require significant paperwork if they are rebating you for expenses - if they just increase a tax credit that would be easier.</p>

<p>It took a long time, but I FINALLY found a good definition of "eligible" and therefore an answer to my own question on the HRBlock site under changes to tax law. So, in case anyone else needs it, here it is:</p>

<p>"Hope and Lifetime Learning Credits
Hope and Lifetime Learning credits are doubled for eligible students in the GO Zone through the end of 2006. You are considered an eligible student if you are enrolled and paying tuition. The Hope credit is equal to 100 percent of the first $2,000 and 50 percent for the second $2,000 for a maximum credit of $3,000. The Lifetime Learning credit is equal to 40 percent of the first $10,000 of expenses. Plus, the definition of qualified education expenses is expanded to include room and board. The expanded credit applies to tax years beginning in 2005 and 2006."</p>