We completed my daughter's 1040 as Non-dependent. Then discovered that we could claim her. We are preparing an amended return for her, so we can list her as dependent. But the 1040X has the education credit, which she did not receive, as being owed.
Ok... you do NOT mail in the amended return until the original refund is received ... so did she get the original refund yet ? Did she file the return yet ?
She got the original, which was only the taxes paid. I won't file the amended until I understand that it won't generate a bill.
If the student filed as a non-dependent and received a 1,000 credit, it most probably was applied to her tax, which is why she received the withheld taxes as a refund. Only the "refundable" portion of the American Opportunity Tax Credit would be a refund.
Look at the original 1040 for the education credit, it would be figured on Form 8863 and also be on Schedule 3 line 50.
Just because she didn't get a 1,000 refund does not mean she didn't get the credit.