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March 28, 2021
Question

Who should I contact in regards to retrieving my form for the American Opportunity Credit?

  • March 28, 2021
  • 2 replies
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I know I qualify for it but am confused about how to get this form for my tax return

2 replies

KrisD15
March 28, 2021

The American Opportunity Tax Credit would be generated (if you qualify) by the entries made on the 1098*T screen in TurboTax. 

 

You need the 1098-T from the school. Often they will be obtained from your school online account. Look for 1098-T.

 

Enter the 1098-T into TurboTax under Deductions & Credits, scroll down to Education. 

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Hal_Al
Employee
March 28, 2021

If you are eligible, TurboTax automatically gives you the tuition credit, after entering your 1098-T.

In TurboTax (TT), enter at:

Federal Taxes Tab (Personal for H&B version)

Deductions & Credits

-Scroll down to:

--Education

  --Education Expenses

 

If you are eligible, and TT doesn't give it to you,  you have answered  something wrong, in the interview. But, a lot of people are just not eligible. See https://www.irs.gov/Individuals/AOTC

https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/american-opportunity-tax-credit-questions-and-answers

 https://www.irs.gov/individuals/llc

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f8917.pdf

 

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, 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. 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.