2018 1098-T With Box 7 Checked and 2019 is unchecked

[Nhernandez91]

Hi, so recently I found out that I did not get an American Opportunity Tax Credit in 2018, I spoke to the place that prepped my taxes and was told they made a mistake and will amend to get the money I missed. My question is I went to school for a semester in the fall in 2018 and then a spring semester in 2019. My 2018 1098-T has the box 7 checked and it says Checked if the amount in box 1 includes amounts for an academic period beginning Jan-March 2019. On my new 2019 1098-T is says Checked if the amount in box 1 includes amounts for an academic period beginning Jan-March 2020 but it is not checked. So will I only be able to claim the credit for 2018? or can I do both years since I went to school two different semesters and two different years. All of this was paid out of pocket  

[CatinaT1]

You should be able to claim it both years.  The check box is just indicated what tuition is included in box 1.  Enter your 1098T exactly as it is and TurboTax will help you figure out which education credit your are eligible for.

[Nhernandez91]

So I signed up for Turbo Tax and did not complete everything as I was waiting to see what my previous tax prep person told me. So prior to me knowing about the tax credit I have never used it and one of the questions turbo tax asks is if I have ever claimed it. Initially I marked no but now since this is being amended should I mark yes? or will The IRS already account for how many times I've used it. (It being the AOTC)

[CatinaT1 · Accepted solution]

You can only use the American Opportunities credit for a total of 4 years.  The question in TurboTax is simply determining if you are disqualified for the credit based on earlier use of the credit.  After you amend 2018 and claim the credit and once you claim it in 2019, you will have used the credit for 2 years and will have 2 years remaining that you can use the credit.  It does not need to be used consecutive years.

[Nhernandez91]

Thank you! That helps me a lot