Am I eligible for AOTC as a resident alien?

Forum|Forum|5 years ago
April 5, 2021
1 reply
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Hi, I have a question about AOTC.

I had F-1 visa since 2014, so I believe I'm a resident alien since 2019.

I was studying at community college and transferred to 4-year university in 2018. Then I graduated last Spring and applied for OPT program, got my SSN on April 2020.

Since I had no income at all during my studies, this year is the first time I filed my tax.

When I was working on my first tax through Turbotax, they said I'm eligible for AOTC. (I added file; 1098-T of my school for Spring 2020)

In this case, am I eligible for it for year 2020?

+ I got a $1000 scholarship in 2019 Fall. (It went directly to my student tuition account balance) Will this affect my eligibility for 2020 as well?

DanaB27

Yes, as a resident alien filing Form 1040 you can be eligible for the AOTC if you meet all other requirements.

An eligible student is defined as a student who:

Is enrolled at least half-time in a program leading to a degree, certificate, or other recognized credential.
Had at least one academic period beginning during the year.
Didn't claim the American Opportunity Tax Credit for more than three previous years.
Didn't complete the first four years of post-secondary education before the beginning of the year.

Please see Who is eligible to take the American Opportunity Tax Credit? and What education tax credits are available? for additional information.

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