AOTC Eligibility Question

[Avanger95]

Hi guys, I have a question and would like to get some opinions and thought. 

I graduated in June of 2014, and enrolled at my local community school during Fall of 14’ until I graduated in Spring of 18’ with my Associates Degree. I took a two year break and decided to pursue my bachelors in Fall of 20’.  I’ve never used the AOTC, but I know it says during my, “first four years of post education”. My question is, am I too late to use AOTC as of this tax season? I know its a stretch, but thought I’d ask anyways. Thank you to whoever answers. ❤️ 

[Hal_Al · Accepted solution]

Q. Am I too late to use AOTC as of this tax season?

A. No.  “First four years of post secondary education” essentially only means until you receive a bachelor's degree.  So, you are still eligible

You say you've  never used the AOTC   There is a limit of the AOTC being claimed only 4 times on a student.  So, if your parents claimed the AOTC back in 2014 and/or 2015, while you were (probably) still their dependent, the times they claimed it count against your 4 times.

[Avanger95]

@Hal_Al thank you so much for replying and taking your time to answer my question. I will call and ask them when I have time. One last discussion, I’m pretty sure they claimed me the during the 14’ & 15’ year. But IF they did not claim the AOTC those years, I will still have 4 years left? (I’m not sure if it automatically takes out AOTC if they claimed me as dependent). 

[Hal_Al]

That's correct,  IF they did not claim the AOTC those years, you will still have 4 years left.  Claiming the AOTC is not automatic  if they claimed you as a dependent.  But, if you were a half time or more student, it is likely that they did.

[Avanger95]

@Hal_Al  thank you so much. You’re awesome!!!