How do I handle education credits for married filing separately?

Answer by  Chaneygirl (1755)

You cannot claim any of the education credits if your filing status is married filing separately. American Opportunity, Hope and Lifetime Learning all disqualify anyone with the filing status married filing separately.

Answer by  jb7000 (96)

If you are filing a tax return using the "married filing separately" status, unfortunately you can't take any of the available federal education credits. The IRS generally discourages people from using the "married filing separately" filing status and does not allow these filers to take many tax credits that are otherwise available to other filers.

Answer by  Chaneygirl (1755)

There are no eduction credits available when filing separately. They all are disallowed. The tuition and fees deduction is not available either to married filing separate taxpayers. Most credits are disallowed or greatly reduced with this filing status.

Answer by  Att4372 (1704)

You cannot claim education credits (Hope or Lifetime Learning) if your filing status is Married filing Separate. You filing status must be Single, Married Joint, or Qualifying Widow(er). See IRS Publication 970, Tax Benefits of Education

Answer by  Chaneygirl (1755)

You cannot claim the education credits for married filing separately. If it relates to a dependant, can you file head of household, then the credits would apply. If they are for yourself and your spouse itemizes, you may be able to claim expenses on sch A, if they relate to your current career.

Answer by  Laura47 (138)

You would handle them the same way you would if you were single. By filing separately, you are basically filing taxes as two single people, so your spouse's taxes do not influence yours and viceversa.