2024 AOTC

Forum|Forum|1 year ago
January 31, 2025
2 replies
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When look at the AOTC it mentions the below image when referring to expenses. Does this mean the expenses can be made in Jan-march of 2025 and claimed on my 2024 taxes? For example I recently bought a computer this month because I just started my first year of college 12/9/24.

thanks!

KrisD15

No, it's the other way around.

You COULD have purchased a computer in 2024 and not started class until 2025 and you would have been able to claim that expense on your 2024 tax return.

Expenses need to be claimed the year they are paid, but they can be for the next year if the class starts Jan, Feb or March.

You might want to look at IRS Pub 970.

The American Opportunity Tax Credit can only be claimed 4 times.

Your expenses might span over 5 calendar years.

Don't take the AOTC for 2024 if you think you will get a bigger credit for 2025,2026,2027 and 2028.

IRS Pub 970

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Hal_Al

Employee

It's there in the reference you provided:

"To qualify, expenses had to be paid in the current tax year for an academic period that started that same year, or in January, February or March of the next tax year"