Tax season is underway, and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has announced that April 15, 2026, will be the filing deadline. This is an excellent opportunity for college students to potentially maximize their refunds by claiming valuable education-related tax credits. Many students overlook these benefits, but eligible higher education expenses like tuition, textbooks, and even student fees can be reimbursed, leading to significant savings in the thousands.
Qualifications and Forms:
The American Opportunity Tax Credit is one of the most powerful options available, giving eligible students up to $2,500. The qualifications are simple: be enrolled at least part-time in an undergraduate program or a recognized credential program at an accredited university. This credit is available to students filing independently, a parent claiming a student as a dependent, or those with a spouse in school while filing jointly. The primary document you will need is the 1098-T from your university, which reports tuition and related expenses, including fees you have paid throughout the year.
How To Do It:
Most taxpayers can file their taxes for free using software like H&R Block and TurboTax, making it easy to claim education credits. There is even a dedicated section for textbooks, required course materials, and supplies that can qualify as educational expenses, even if purchased from off-campus sources like Amazon. Just be sure to keep the receipts for your purchases and attach them to your 1098-T form to claim back up to $2,500.
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