When answering school questions, I get the American Opportunity Credit if I mark "at least half time" but not if I mark "full-time." Why is this?

Forum|Forum|5 years ago
January 27, 2021
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Full time is more than half time, so I figured I would qualify if I am more than half time. On my 1098-T form, the box is checked for at least half time.

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Hal_Al

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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.