Educational expense tax break

[sixer]

I am 20. I moved in with my mom in August. I previously lived with my dad. My mom is the only one who has helped me pay for college. My father hasn't paid a dime. Apparently you can receive a hefty tax break for the higher education expenses of your dependent. My mom went to H&R block and the lady said she could not claim me because I had lived with my father for more than 6 months last year.

My mom said she would have and expected to get an extra $2500, a much needed $2500, but now she doesn't get any of it. Now, my dad has to claim me and can't file for that nice, hefty tax break because he hasn't paid anything! My mom's attitude is pretty much "oh well, the h&r block lady knows everything! She's always right!" Does anyone else see anything wrong with this? Is there anything that can be done? Why the hell can't she file for this damn tax break if she is the one that paid!?

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

[sixer]

Oh, sorry. My father lives in PA, my mother and I live in KY.

[TinkerBelleLuvr]

http://www.irs.gov/publications/p504/ar02.html#d0e1405

The educational credit follows the person who has the right to claim the child. Because you are under 24 and a full time student, and are not providing more than half your own support, you are a qualifying child to one of your parents. The chart shows WHO has the right to claim you.

Did you work and provide more than half your support?