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Child at university: what parents can deduct for tax

If the child is studying, parents can under certain conditions continue to receive child benefit or the child allowance. If the child falls out of the support, deducting maintenance payments may come into consideration. Which variant applies depends on the individual case.

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For a child in initial training or a first degree there is usually an entitlement to child benefit or the child allowance up to the age of 25 (§ 32 EStG). Associated with this can be allowances for childcare and training needs.
If there is no longer an entitlement to child benefit or an allowance, maintenance payments to the needy child can be deductible as an extraordinary burden up to a maximum amount (§ 33a EStG).

What you should do now

  1. 1

    1. Check the support

    Clarify whether child benefit or the child allowance still exists for the child.

  2. 2

    2. Fill in the Child annex

    State the child and the training in the tax return.

  3. 3

    3. Check maintenance

    Without a child benefit entitlement, check the deduction of maintenance payments.

  4. 4

    4. Collect evidence

    Secure enrollment and payment records.

How to spot the scam

  • Entitlement to child benefit and maintenance deduction are mixed up.
  • The child's own income is not considered for the maintenance deduction.
  • Evidence of the studies and payments is missing.

Frequently asked questions

Do I continue to receive child benefit for my studying child?

Usually yes, up to the age of 25, as long as the child is in initial training or a first degree (§ 32 EStG). After completed initial training, an additional gainful activity may matter. Child benefit then continues under certain conditions.

Can I deduct the maintenance for the child?

If there is no longer an entitlement to child benefit or the child allowance and you support a needy child, you can deduct maintenance payments up to a maximum amount as an extraordinary burden (§ 33a EStG). The child's own income reduces the deductible amount.

What applies for a second degree?

After completed initial training or a first degree, what is often decisive for the child benefit entitlement is whether the child works more than marginally on the side. For the child itself, the costs of a second degree can be deductible as work-related expenses. The classification depends on the individual case.

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General information for self-help, not legal advice (RDG). In case of a high loss or uncertainty: contact a consumer advice center or a lawyer.