What counts as first four years of college?

Forum|Forum|6 years ago
June 1, 2019
3 replies
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I'm looking at claiming the American Opportunity Credit and I'm not sure if I qualify or not. When they say "first four years of post-secondary education" what does that exactly mean? I spent about 4 years at a community college because I changed majors. I graduated from the community college and now I'm pursuing my bachelor's degree. Since I have not completed my four year degree yet and I have never claimed the American Opportunity Credit, would I qualify?

TurboTax Online

Best answer by MargaretL

If you received four years academic credit for your 4 years at a community college, then you would not qualify for the American Opportunity Credit, unfortunately.

Please refer below for more details.

https://www.irs.gov/individuals/aotc

blonsteedttax123

NO, YOU DO NOT QUALIFY

MargaretLAnswer

Employee

If you received four years academic credit for your 4 years at a community college, then you would not qualify for the American Opportunity Credit, unfortunately.

Please refer below for more details.

https://www.irs.gov/individuals/aotc

gokce

What if I completed four years academic credit in a country other than the U.S.? Am I still not eligible?

mglauner

Your educational institution can tell you if you've been awarded four years of college-level credit before the current tax year. If you didn't earn this amount, then you may still be eligible for the American Opportunity Credit.

Here's more info on the American Opportunity Credit.

@gokce

PetroleumEngineer

Does this count for education abroad? what should I choose if I never study in US before

ErnieS0

It depends on whether the U.S. institution gives you credit for education abroad.

@TaxGuyBill says “If the current college recognizes that you have a 4-year degree, the American Opportunity is not available. If the college only recognizes the student as a pre-gradate (a Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, or Senior), the American Opportunity may be claimed (if all other criteria are met).”

See Does bachelor degree earned from other country count towards 4-year college credit for American Opportunity credit?

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