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Hal_Al
Employee
March 26, 2020

See full rules at  https://www.irs.gov/Individuals/AOTC

In general, the Turbotax (TT) will determine if you are eligible, but it can be tricky. It's best if you have some inkling of your eligibility.  You can use this IRS tool https://www.irs.gov/help/ita/am-i-eligible-to-claim-an-education-credit

 

There's a new urban myth among college students that says they can get a $1000 from the government just for filing a tax form. For most of them, they simply aren't eligible. A full time unmarried student, under age 24, is only eligible for the refundable portion of the American Opportunity Credit if he supports himself by working. You cannot be supporting yourself on parental support, 529 plans or student loans & grants. You usually must have actually paid tuition, not had it paid by scholarships & grants.  It is usually best if the parent claims that credit. 

You cannot claim a credit if you are, or can be, claimed as a dependent by someone else.

 

TurboTax help pages:

https://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tips/college-and-education/what-is-the-american-opportunity-tax-credit/L1Mzj4ybX

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/credits-and-deductions/help/who-is-eligible-to-take-the-american-opportunity-tax-credit/00/26845