College students & first-time filers
Your first tax return, made simple.
A first return comes with real questions. Do I even need to file? Who claims me? What is a 1098-T? We prepare student and first-time returns in plain language and coordinate with your family so education credits and dependency status line up.
Is this for you?
Built for situations like these.
- 01College students with part-time, campus, or summer jobs
- 02Anyone filing a tax return for the first time
- 03Parents with a student in college
- 04Students who attend school or work in another state
- 05Recent graduates starting a first full-time job
What you gain
The benefits, not just the forms.
Learn as you file
We explain each part of your return so the next one feels familiar, not frightening.
Coordinated with your family
Dependency status and education credits are reviewed with your family’s returns in mind.
A strong financial start
Leave with simple habits for keeping records and setting up withholding at your next job.
What is included
Every engagement includes
- First-time return preparation
- Dependency status review with your family
- Form 1098-T and education credit review
- Scholarship and grant income questions
- Out-of-state school and job questions
- Plain-language explanations at every step
What to have ready
Documents you may need later
Nothing is needed for your free consultation. Once you are a client, you receive a personalized list and secure sharing instructions.
- W-2s from any jobs, including campus jobs
- Form 1098-T from your school
- Scholarship and grant award letters
- Form 1098-E if you paid student loan interest
- Whether a parent plans to claim you as a dependent
Questions
Frequently asked questions.
College Student Taxes: What to Know Before You File
Do you need to file, who claims the education credit, and what Form 1098-T is for, explained in plain language.
Do college students need to file a tax return?
It depends on how much you earned, the type of income, and whether someone can claim you as a dependent. Even when filing is not required, it can still make sense to file if tax was withheld from your paychecks.
Who claims the education credit, me or my parents?
Generally, whoever claims the student as a dependent is the one who can claim the education credit. We can review this with your family so both returns are coordinated.
What is Form 1098-T?
It is a tuition statement from your school showing qualified tuition and related expenses paid, plus scholarships or grants. It is used to review eligibility for education credits.
What are the main education credits?
The American Opportunity Tax Credit is worth up to $2,500 per eligible student, and the Lifetime Learning Credit is worth up to $2,000 per return. Their eligibility rules differ, so we review them with you.
How much does a student return cost?
Fees depend on the forms involved. Your first consultation is free, you receive pricing before any work begins, and new clients save 15% on tax preparation fees.
Other services
Your next step
Ready for a calmer tax season? Let’s talk.
Start with a free, no-pressure consultation. No documents needed to begin, and new clients save 15% on tax preparation.