Who Claims the Education Credits?

Either you or your dependent (but not both) can claim the American Opportunity Credit or the Lifetime Learning Credit.

• If you claim the student as a dependent, only you can claim the credit. Treat any expenses paid by your dependent as paid by you.
• If you do not claim the student as a dependent, the student can claim the education credit. The student can use expenses you or anyone else pays for education expenses on his or her behalf.

For more information on who qualifies for the credits, go to our American Opportunity Credit and Lifetime Learning Credit FAQs.