AO credit not in calculation

[niejohm]

The amount of the AO Education credit that we qualify for is not included in final amount due calculation.  The refundable portion is in the calculation but the non-refundable portion is not.  I match to the total credits figure in TT.  How to address this?

Thanks

[Hal_Al]

The usual reason that you don't get the non refundable American Opportunity Credit is that your income tax (line 12b of form 1040)has already been reduced to 0. The non refundable American Opportunity Credit cannot be used to offset Self employment tax (line 15 of form 1040).

[niejohm]

Hi - Thanks for the input.  However, TT includes that amount in it's calculation of the credits it says it has "found" for me.  So I don't understand why it's not in the calculation for what amount is owed.  Could there be a glitch in the program.  I feel like if I filled out the form manually I would owe less.  I am following last year's return and little has changed except the amounts.  We don't have any Self employment taxes.

[Hal_Al]

What's on line 12b of form 1040? 

[niejohm]

AH.....found my mistake.  I forgot you could see the forms view and I had the wrong starting tax amount.  Embarrassing.  But also annoying because the rate is higher.  Thanks for your help.