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February 24, 2021
Question

Why I am not receiving the American Opportunity Credit? I am 20 years old and full-time in college. I am not a dependent on my parent's tax return either.

  • February 24, 2021
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1 reply

Hal_Al
Employee
February 24, 2021

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.