How to File College Tuition Deduction
The tuition and fees deduction allows you to write off up to $4,000, as of 2011, in qualified college expenses for yourself, your spouse or a dependent student as long as you meet the qualifications. In addition to having your modified adjusted gross income fall below the annual limits, you also cannot file as married filing separately. As of 2011, the modified adjusted gross income limit for single filers equals $80,000 and the limit for joint filers equals $160,000. At the end of the year, the student receives a Form 1098-T showing how much he paid in tuition. You do not need to itemize to claim the tuition and fees deduction.
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Instructions
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File your income taxes with either Form 1040A or Form 1040. Form 1040EZ does not have a line to claim the deduction.
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Complete Form 8917 to figure the value of your deduction. You must report each student's name, Social Security number and qualified expenses for the year. Your deduction value appears on line 6.
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Report the amount of your deduction on line 19 if you file your taxes with Form 1040A or line 34 if you file your taxes with Form 1040. You subtract this amount from your taxable income to lower your adjusted gross income for the year, which lowers your income taxes due.
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