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March 15, 2021
Question

I dont qualify for the American Opportunity Credit and I am not sure why? I make less than 90,000 a year, im not claimed by anyone else, Im a full time student.

  • March 15, 2021
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1 reply

Hal_Al
Employee
March 15, 2021

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, even if you don't qualify as a dependent, 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.