<p>My son started at a 2 year school but dropped out with about about 40 credits. This fall (18months later) he went back (to the 2 year school). Can he claim the Hope Tax Credit for this year? We never claimed it when he was at school before. He has not completed 2 years so I think he can claim it this year. </p>
<p>He will still be considered a sophomore in the Spring semester as he is going half time. Will he be able to claim it for next year? The way I read the tax law is you can only claim it for 2 years and you cannot have completed 2 years of college. It does not seem to specify that the 2 years have to be the first calender year he went to school and the 2nd calender year - more that he cannot be junior standing.</p>
<p>I am not sure if I am 'wishful thinking' interpretting it that he is eligible. Sure would help him financially if he is. I had been thinking he would just claim the lifetime learning credit but that is only for 20% of the qualified expenses so the hope would be better if he is eligible.</p>
<p>I know this is a question for a tax expert but I was wondering if anyone has experience of this (probably CC is the wrong place to ask as not many here are at 2 year schools!)</p>
<p>It doesn't matter that he's at a 2 yr school. He may claim the Hope credit as long as he is a freshman or a sophomore and enrolled at least half time. He can claim the credit twice. </p>
<p>I wasn't quite sure in your wording who is claiming the credit? The person who claims the student on the return gets the credit. Usually that is the parent.</p>
<p>Thank you both. I had read the IRS tax publication - I was just hoping someone had expererienc of the Hope credit to make sure I am understanding it correctly. At first I was not sure he could claim it as it is technically the 3rd year he has gone to college (between being half time and dropping out for a while) but the way I read it is that as long as he is still a 2nd year student (ie has less than 60 hours ) he is still eligible as we have not claimed it in the past. He will have @ 50 hours by the end of the year.</p>
<p>He will be claiming the credit himself (well he does not know it yet). As he has been out of school a while and supporting himself we have not claimed him as a dependent in a while. We are retired and do not pay as much tax as he does so he will benefit more - and we do not provide half his support though we are helping him out now he is back at school. </p>
<p>Thanks or the responses - I was a bit slow to respond because my computer is acting up..</p>