Can I retroactively claim Educational Tax credit on 8863 forms for previous years?

Forum|Forum|6 years ago
June 1, 2019
4 replies
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This was the first year I received a 1098-T form from my university, and I claimed the American Opportunity and Lifetime Learning Tax Credit. However, I've been in school full-time and worked part-time for several years, and I don't think I've claimed it before this year. Can I retroactively fill out 8863 forms for previous years and retroactively receive the Education Tax Credit?

Best answer by Texas Roger

You can amend a tax return for up to 3 years from the original filing deadline to claim the education credit that you mistakenly did not claim. The American Opportunity Credit can be claimed for up to 4 tax years while you are an undergraduate student working toward a degree in the first 4 academic years.

You said in your post you claimed the American Opportunity and Lifetime Learning Tax Credit but you can only claim one of the credits in any tax year.

Texas RogerAnswer

Employee

You said in your post you claimed the American Opportunity and Lifetime Learning Tax Credit but you can only claim one of the credits in any tax year.

SweetieJean

Employee

However, you cannot claim education credits if someone else (such as a parent claimed you as a dependent.

Mostafa23

Hello,

I see that you can't claim education credits if you are dependent. My situtaion is a bit uniuqe however, I am a US citizen while my parents are not. My dad pays off my tuition and he doesn't file any taxes in the us because he works overseas. so I was wondering since he cannot claim the education credits. Can I do it on his behalf?

rajunediath

Answer to your question is : YES. Now you may ask another question: "how can I claim". If you know it, it is good. If not, please note that you need to file an amendment return for that particular year (which is called 1040X). This return you can file within 3 years. Please note one can not claim the AOC of previous years in the current year tax return.

nellienel40

2020 was the first time I use the education tax credit. I use the 2019 1098T form from my university. But I went to college in 2017 and 2018 and I have those 1098T forms, may I retro claim the education tax credit for those past years?

Hal_Al

Employee

@nellienel40

You question was answered in the earlier replies in this thread. You can still file amended returns for both 2017 and 2018.

You cannot claim a credit if you were or COULD BE claimed as a dependent by someone else.

The American Opportunity Credit, for your education, can be claimed for up to 4 tax years, including times claimed by anyone claiming you as a dependent.

One other item, not mentioned above:

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.

Uel202

How do I fill out the 8863 form?