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March 8, 2025
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The American Opportunity credit (AOTC)

  • March 8, 2025
  • 2 replies
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I am a fulltime student, and didn't work at all in 2024.  Can I still get the The American Opportunity credit (AOTC)?  I went through the TT steps and it says I cant get it.  Not sure why?  I did get the credit the last 3 years, but I worked part-time.  

    Best answer by Hal_Al

     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. It is usually best if the parent claims that credit. 

    You cannot claim the (up to) $1000 refundable credit if you are, or can be, claimed as a dependent by someone else.

     

    Reference: Line 7 instructions for form 8863.

    https://www.irs.gov/instructions/i8863#en_US_2024_publink53002gd0e674

    2 replies

    Employee
    March 8, 2025

    You might not qualify for the refundable part of the credit. If so, since you had no tax liability the credit would have no effect on your return. 

    Hal_Al
    Hal_AlAnswer
    Employee
    March 9, 2025

     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. It is usually best if the parent claims that credit. 

    You cannot claim the (up to) $1000 refundable credit if you are, or can be, claimed as a dependent by someone else.

     

    Reference: Line 7 instructions for form 8863.

    https://www.irs.gov/instructions/i8863#en_US_2024_publink53002gd0e674