Can parent claim HOH if he doesn't claim his dependent child so child qualifies for the education credit? Is it same as the rule for divorce and not claiming dependent?

Nancy9 · ‎03-04-2023

I can't find this answer anywhere. The father makes too much income to qualify for ed credit. He supported his child who lived with him for more than 1/2 year. Mother is deceased. If he doesn't claim the dependent is he still eligible for HOH?

Camp1040 · ‎03-04-2023

From the info supplied the child is a qualifying person for the TP to file HH, enter the childs name and SS on line 4 federal information sheet. AOTC? That is another questtion since the kid would have to check the box "can TP be claimed as a dependent of another TP such as parent.

TaxGuyBill · ‎03-04-2023

As Camp said, "yes", but the child would only be qualified for the "non-refundable" portion of the American Opportunity Credit.

rbynaker · ‎03-04-2023

There is a theoretical circumstance where the child has earned income more than 1/2 of their support but it was put in savings instead of spent on support, thus allowing refundable AOTC. I've personally never seen such a unicorn though.