Need Help – Education Tax Break Not Applying for 2023 in TurboTax

Forum|Forum|1 year ago
February 8, 2025
1 reply
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Hello TurboTax Support,

I recently completed my 2024 tax return using TurboTax and successfully claimed an education tax credit (AOTC) with my 2024 Form 1098-T.

Now, I am currently working on my 2023 tax return using the 2023 TurboTax software, which I purchased directly from your website. I have entered all the information from my 2023 Form 1098-T, but I am receiving the message:
"You can't claim an education tax break."

There is no difference between my 2023 and 2024 tax situations, so I don't understand why the education credit is not applying for 2023.

Could you please help me with the following?

Why is TurboTax not allowing me to claim an education tax break for 2023?
Are there any settings or conditions I need to check in my return?
How can I fix this issue and properly claim the education tax credit for 2023?

I appreciate your assistance and look forward to your response.

Best answer by AmyC

I downloaded the 2023 TurboTax Desktop version and filed my tax return, claiming the $1,000 American Opportunity Tax Credit. However, since the 2023 version couldn’t be filed online, I mailed the federal return and the Ohio state return separately via USPS. I printed and submitted the "2023 Hong D Form 1040 Individual Tax Return_Filing" file.

Now, I see that the mail has been delivered.

When will my information appear on the IRS refund tracker?
Was it correct to print and submit the Return_Filing file?
Is there any issue with the way I submitted my tax return?

1. The IRS website, Where’s My Amended Return? says to allow 3 weeks for it to show up.

2. It is fine to send.

3. Federal and state separate with tracking, perfect!

KrisD15

Your "situation" may not have changed, but are the numbers on the 2023 1098-T different than the 2024 1098-T?

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hdw926Author

I fixed that problem. and I have one more question. I have completed my 2023 tax return, but I need to mail it instead of filing it electronically. Could you provide detailed instructions on how to properly send my tax return by mail? Specifically, I would like to know:

Which address should I use? (Does it depend on my state or whether I am including a payment?)
What documents should I include? (Do I need to attach any additional forms, W-2s, or payment checks?)
What is the recommended mailing method? (Should I use certified mail or tracking to confirm delivery?)
How long does it usually take for mailed tax returns to be processed?

I appreciate your help and look forward to your guidance.

LeticiaF1

Yes, the address does depend on where you live and if you have a payment due. When you print your return, we'll include instructions that tell you what other paperwork to include and where to send your return.

The recommended method would be to send it through certified mail. Paper returns usually take 4–6 weeks to process.