American Opportunity Credit

[sunpods]

Hello all,

I am qualified for AOC and am filing my tax for the 2020 tax year.

Last year, I was also qualified for AOC and filed the tax using the TurboTax Free Edition. However, this year, even though under the same conditions I am asked to upgrade to file my tax because of the AOC. Why do I need to upgrade if I did not have to last year? 

(I checked the previous year's tax return, and it is certain that I filed Form 8863 for the AOC. And my tax status didn't change from the last year)

Thank you for your help!

[DoninGA]

You probably used the TurboTax Free File program for the 2019 tax return.

For tax year 2020 -

You can use the TurboTax Free File Program - https://freefile.intuit.com/

IRS Free File Program - https://apps.irs.gov/app/freeFile/
If you are eligible you can use the IRS Free File Program delivered by TurboTax which is free to file both a federal and state tax return. The IRS Free File Program delivered by TurboTax edition is a full featured personal tax program and on a separate website from the TurboTax online editions.

To qualify for free 2020 federal and state tax returns with the IRS Free File Program delivered by TurboTax, you'll need to meet at least one of these requirements:

• A maximum 2020 adjusted gross income (AGI) of $39,000; or
• You qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC); or
• You served as active duty military (including Reservists and National Guard) with a maximum 2020 AGI of $72,000 (you'll also need a military-issued W-2).

See this TurboTax support FAQ on the Free File Program - https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/choosing-a-product/help/what-is-the-turbotax-free-file-program/00/...

See this TurboTax support FAQ for the difference between the Free File Program and the Free edition - https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/choosing-a-product/help/what-s-the-difference-between-free-file-pr...
And see this TurboTax support FAQ on how to switch to the TurboTax Free File Program - https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/downgrading/help/how-do-i-switch-to-turbotax-free-file-program/00/...

[sunpods]

Yes, for this year's tax filing, I am using the same TurboTax Free File program as I meet one of the requirements you listed. 

My question is whether the Free TurboTax Edition no longer supports filing form 8863 or American Opportunity credit as I didn't have to upgrade to file it last year.

[DoninGA]

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@sunpods wrote:

Yes, for this year's tax filing, I am using the same TurboTax Free File program as I meet one of the requirements you listed. 

My question is whether the Free TurboTax Edition no longer supports filing form 8863 or American Opportunity credit as I didn't have to upgrade to file it last year.

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The Free online edition does not support Form 8863.  You would need to upgrade to the Deluxe online edition for the education credit.