What are the Federal Education Tax Credits? (Revised November 2012) There are two individual
credits for
the cost of post-secondary education tuition and certain fees.
While
the HOPE credit only applied to the first two
years
of college, the modified credit extends this period to the first four
years. Finally, neither the HOPE credit or the modified credit can be
used if the student was convicted of a felony drug offense. Lifetime Learning Credit-
For years starting with 2003, this credit is equal to 20% of the
first $10,000 of eligible expense, or $2,000. For years prior to
2003, the maximum
credit was equal to 20% of the first $5,000 or eligible expenses.
Unlike the 'modified HOPE Credit' discussed above, this credit can be
taken
for non-degree
courses that improve present job skills. Also, prior drug convictions have no effect on this credit. While the credits are often called 'college education credits', they will affect a lot more than college related education costs as tuition and related expenses at most of the vocational institutions (e.g. beautician school) will also qualify. If you or your child is now attending (or planning to attend) a post-secondary vocational school, you need to contact the school to find out if courses are eligible for the new credits. Neither credit can be taken for expenses relating to room and board. In addition, the credits do not apply to any educational expenses that were paid by way of scholarships, grants and other non-taxable income sources. Both credits are elective and may overlap. When the credits overlap, you can only choose one credit for each student. The credits for post-secondary educational tuition and fees are Federal credits only, and, as such, can only be taken on your Federal income tax return. There is also an Illinois tax credit for grammar and high school tuition.The education credit can be taken on eligible expenses paid by the student and/or the spouse. If someone else claims the student as a dependent, that individual can also claim the credit on eligible educational expenses that he/she, the spouse, or the student dependent paid. If a student is claimed as a dependent by somebody else, that student cannot claim the credit, even if he/she personally paid the expenses. Finally, certain individuals will not be able
to claim either of these educational credits:
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