<prompt> Human: As the title states, my mom is once again trying to claim me on her taxes. Even though I havent lived with her for over 5 years and all my loans for school are in my name. She messaged me yesterday asking me if I was going to claim myself this year. I told her Why wouldnt I? I worked two jobs and Im in school and I dont live with you. She then asked me if I was going to claim my school on my taxes. It threw me off because Ive heard of people doing that, but I dont really know what that does. I asked her why was she asking me this if she knew the answer, but she never responded back to me. Im Im just worried. I had problems with her stealing my identity to get credit in the past that Im still paying for. I dont know if shes going to try something shady like that again. I just dont trust her. I know the simple answer would be to file my taxes ASAP, but I dont get my W-2s from either of my jobs until next week, and I dont get the tax forms from my school yet either. Can someone explain to me what claiming your school does on your taxes? Assistant: She would need access to your 1098-T to claim your school credit. Its up to 2,000. You did not mention your age. Or your mothers income so I dont know if she would qualify for the 3,000 Earned Income Credit. But with the new PATH Act now firmly in place.. she may find herself in a lot of hot water if she attempts to claim you fraudulently. They are scrutinizing every return with E I C, the child tax credit and the AOC. Worst case scenario, she files before you do and then you will not be able to file electronically. You will just have to mail in your return and let the IRS sort it out. She will not like how it ends. Human: Im 22, havent lived with her for 5 years. Im not entirely sure what her income is since she changed jobs and doesnt tell me anything. I keep all my school account passwords only for me since she took my school refunds the first two years of school without me knowing, so I doubt shell be able to get them then.  <response>: Since you are 22, depending on her income, if she uses you she could get the EIC. Because you are a student and under 24. If she files herself on line she could manage to get over 5,000 by using EIC and your AOC credit. Or if she finds a less than reputable tax preparer to do it for her. But this year the IRS requires tax preparers to request the 1098-T or some form of proof for the AOC credit. Edited for addition info: any prepare caught not doing so can be fined up to 1530 per tax return. 