Not getting the full AOTC (2024)

FAQs

Not getting the full AOTC? ›

Check your entry to make sure you entered the 1098-T Tuition form correctly. Check how many years you've already taken the American Education Credit. If you were ever claimed as a dependent and the person claiming you claimed the credit, that counts as you having received it.

American Opportunity Credit phaseout – If your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) is more than $80,000 ($160,000 if you're married filing jointly), your eligibility will start to “phase out” — meaning you may only qualify for a partial credit or none at all.

Be pursuing a degree or other recognized education credential. Have qualified education expenses at an eligible educational institution. Be enrolled at least half time for at least one academic period* beginning in the tax year. Not have finished the first four years of higher education at the beginning of the tax year.

The most common AOTC errors are claiming the credit for a student: who didn't attend an eligible educational institution, who already completed the first four years of post-secondary education, for whom qualifying college or other post-secondary education expenses weren't paid, or.

The Lifetime Learning Tax Credit is not available when: The taxpayer claimed the AOTC during the same tax year. The taxpayer pays for college expenses for someone who is not a dependent. The taxpayer files federal income tax returns as married filing separately.

A student eligible for the American Opportunity tax credit: The credit is only available for the first four years of post-secondary education (undergrad). Enrolls in at least one academic semester during the applicable tax year. Maintains at least half-time status in a program leading to a degree or other credential.

Be enrolled at least half time for at least one academic period^* beginning in the tax year. Not have finished the first four years of higher education at the beginning of the tax year. Not have claimed the AOTC or the former Hope credit for more than four tax years.

The American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC) is a partially refundable tax credit that provides up to $2,500 per student per year to pay for college. The tax credit is based on up to $4,000 in eligible higher education expenses, equal to 100% of the first $2,000 in eligible expenses and 25% of the second $2,000.

The 1000 came from the 8863. While the total amount of the AOC is worth up to $2,500, only $1,000 of the AOC is actually refundable. This means you can use the other portion to reduce your tax liability if you have any. But, only $1,000 can be directly added to your refund without any tax liability.

Room and board, medical costs, transportation, and insurance do not qualify, nor do qualified expenses paid for with 529 plan funds. To claim the credit, your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) has to be $80,000 or less (no more than $160,000 if married filing jointly).

Do scholarships reduce AOTC? ›

If a student's QTRE exceeds his scholarships by $4,000 or more, the student can claim the maximum AOTC without having to include any scholarship in income. But if QTRE minus scholarships is less than $4,000, the student may benefit by including a portion of the scholarship in income in order to claim a larger AOTC.

For AOTC only, expenses for books, supplies and equipment the student needs for a course of study are included in qualified education expenses even if it is not paid to the school. For example, the cost of a required course book bought from an off-campus bookstore is a qualified education expense.

The American Opportunity Education Credit is available to be claimed for a maximum of 4 years per eligible student.

The Lifetime Learning Tax Credit is worth 20% of your eligible education spending up to $10,000 per year. The maximum tax credit available is $2,000 if you spend $10,000 or more on qualified expenses. You can only claim one Lifetime Tax Credit per tax return. It's not per student.

If you are a student in the first four years of undergraduate enrollment, the AOTC is likely the better choice for you. It has a higher maximum credit and a higher credit percentage. However, if you are taking courses to improve your job skills or are enrolled in graduate school, the LLC may be a better option for you.

Since tax-free scholarships don't have to be repaid, amounts paid for by scholarships aren't considered paid by you or the student; therefore tax credit for education cannot be claimed.

The amount provided in a refund is determined by the 40% rule. The amount of the credit remaining after your tax bill reaches $0 is multiplied by 40% to determine your credit. To receive the full $1,000, you must claim a credit of $2,500 and owe $0 in taxes.

The AOTC is calculated per student, not per tax return. So, parents with two (or more) qualifying children in a given year can claim a separate credit for each child (if income limits are met). Up to $1,000 (or 40 percent of the total credit) is refundable even if a filer doesn't owe income tax.

Income phase-out rule

The American Opportunity credit is phased out if your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) exceeds certain levels. (MAGI is adjusted gross income plus certain tax-free income from sources outside the United States.)

You may not qualify for an education tax credit if you earn more than the income limits, if you didn't pay the educational expense you're claiming the credit for, if someone else can claim you as a dependent for tax purposes, or if your tax filing status is married filing separately.