I just filled out my taxes but didn't know about the American Opportunity Tax Credit. Is there a way to still get the $1000 if I am a student?

If your return has already been accepted by the IRS, then you will need to file an amended return to claim the American Opportunity Credit. You should wait until your original return has been processed to do so. You will also need to mail your amended return as electronic filing is not available.

If you listed your 1098-T and didn't get the credit, you don't qualify.  If you listed your 1098-T, whatever you are entitled to was already included in your refund.

Here are some key points:

1. You can't get the AOTC if you can be claimed as a dependent by a parent.  They get it instead (if you meet all the other eligibility rules).

2. If you can't be claimed as a dependent, you can get the AOTC in your own name, but you have to have more than $10,200 of income earned from working before you start to get any credit.

3. The $1000 of "free" AOTC that is available to students who don't work, is only available if the student is age 24 or older, or if younger, both their parents have to be deceased.

So you may not qualify.