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January 31, 2022
Question

Claiming AOTC even though went to school 17 years ago?

  • January 31, 2022
  • 1 reply
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I went to a two-year technical school 17 years ago - 5 years before the AOTC was even created. I returned to school as an adult last year (2021). Am I able to claim AOTC?

    1 reply

    Hal_Al
    Employee
    January 31, 2022

    Yes, you can claim the AOTC, since you have not completed the first 4 years of post secondary education (essentially you haven't received a bachelor's degree).

     

    The 17 year gap, in your education, is essentially irrelevant, except for one possibility.  You are limited to claiming the AOTC 4 times in your education career.  Prior to the AOTC, there was the "Hope Credit" (dating to 1998).  Any times that the Hope credit was claimed, by either you, or your parents (as their dependent), on your education, count against you 4 AOTCs.