<p>Hello everyone, I'm a student transferring to a 4-year institution from a 2-year one.</p>
<p>I'm wondering, do I have to be full-time in both college year semesters to be considered a full-time student by the IRS for that year? I think I read something about having to be full-time for each 6-month semester in a year but I'm not sure. Also what’s the difference between what would happen if I was considered a full-time student for the year, versus if I wasn’t, at least when it comes to my parents claiming me. If any additional details are needed, I am currently 22 years old and made no money for this year or the last. So basically, what requirements must be met for my parents to claim me as a student?</p>
<p>And finally...is one eligible for FAFSA aid if he/she is taking at least 6 semester credits?</p>
<p>You need to double check current requirements – in the past the rule was that the student had to be in school full time during 5 months of the year, and the parent had to contribute more than 50% of the support. So when my son left school after spring semester, he was a dependent (in school January-May, which is 5 months). When my daughter dropped to part-time during her spring semester her final year… she wasn’t.</p>
<p>See IRS Pub. 501, which includes this excerpt:</p>
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<p>FAFSA is just an application for federal aid. You do not have to be full-time to apply as some forms of aid (ie Pell) are available to part-time students.</p>