Forgot to claim refundable American Opportunity Credit last year.

[cmsheffels]

Last year I forgot to claim the Refundable American Opportunity Credit for school expenses. Can I add last year's expenses onto my claim this year, or is it too late?

[Texas Roger]

Expenses paid in 2015 must be claimed on a 2015 tax return for credit. If you did not claim qualified education expenses on your 2015 tax return, you can amend your 2015 return to claim them. See this on how to amend a 2015 tax return: https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/2952222-how-do-i-amend-my-2015-turbotax-online-return

[Hal_Al]

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 student, under age 24, 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 must have actually paid tuition, not had it paid by scholarships & grants.  It is usually best if the parent claims that credit.