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January 15, 2021
Question

Should I qualify for the American Opportunity Credit? I meet all of the requirements listed but TurboTax stays I don't qualify.

  • January 15, 2021
  • 2 replies
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2 replies

January 15, 2021

Please see the following TurboTax Help articles for information on the American Opportunity credit:

Hal_Al
Employee
January 15, 2021

If you are eligible, you have answered  something wrong, in the interview. But, a lot of people are just not eligible. See https://www.irs.gov/Individuals/AOTC

 

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. 

You cannot claim a credit if you are, or can be, claimed as a dependent by someone else.

 

You can use this IRS tool to verify your eligibility https://www.irs.gov/help/ita/am-i-eligible-to-claim-an-education-credit