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February 14, 2020
Question

If i only claim how much spent on college books and supplies and it gives me a amount for American opportunity credit i should take it correct?

  • February 14, 2020
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1 reply

Hal_Al
Employee
February 14, 2020

No. You can't claim only what you want to. You claim what you are allowed. Most "supplies" are not qualified expenses.  You cannot claim books, if you parent claimed the tuition. 

 

You need to explain more about your situation.

 

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 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 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.