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The Kitchen Table

Speaking of college and taxes...

17 years ago

Lydia's post got me to thinking about Alex. He'll be going to college the year after next and right now the ex is claiming him on his taxes, by court order. I'll be the one paying Alex's college expenses so do I get to claim him after he turns 18 and goes off to college? Just wondering if anyone has been in this situation before?

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Comments (7)

maryanntx
17 years ago
I think the court order would have to be changed for you to claim him as a dependent. His Dad should still have to pay child support, shouldn't he?
Kathsgrdn
Original Author
17 years ago
I don't know Maryann, I thought it ended when he turned 18. I guess I need to call the county attorney's office and find out.
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maryanntx
17 years ago
You can read on your divorce orders when support will end. It may be 18, or it may state that he has to pay as long as his son is in school.
Kathsgrdn
Original Author
17 years ago
It doesn't specify, it just states the amount and that he will pay it based on Kentucky guidelines.
Lindsey_CA
17 years ago
The Kentucky guidelines will determine who, if anyone, can claim Alex as a dependent on state taxes, but you need to read one of the IRS publications to determine if Alex qualifies under their guidelines for your federal taxes.

Here is a link that might be useful: IRS guidelines
Terri_PacNW
17 years ago
In our situation. The mother had until their 18th birthday to repetition the courts for extended child support for when they were in college. I bet you that is typical. Your lawyer can help with that.
We did not have to continue child support, but did pay one student loan on the middle one(because he dropped out and defaulted on the co signed loan) and the last one is in college, and we only pay her medical/health insurance bills/premiums now. But we have never claimed them on our taxes. Because they had to be living with you 6 months plus one day or something. So she got child support and tax exemptions.
susan_on
17 years ago
I'm surprised the order doesn't specify. I've never seen one like that, and I deal with support orders daily. It's typical for the payor (usually the father) to pay until the age of 18 or until they are finished school. That is how it is in Canada, but we do see a number of support orders from the U.S. and even from other countries.

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