I started college this year on January 19th, but paid expenses and applied for my loans by mid December of last year. Do I include this on my tax return?

[chef-e22]

I applied for loans as well as paid out of pocket in December of 2020 for the semester of college that I started in 2021. I am wondering if I would include any of this information on this current tax return I am filling out, or if it will just need to be put onto the next.

[JoannaB2]

No, you may not claim credit for tuition fees paid in 202i  at higher educational institution for the tax year 2020.  You may wait until  2021 to claim your qualified expenses

See, American Opportunity Credit.