Can one get the American Opportunity Tax Credit when the university has no EIN number? I follow all other requirements, I would also need to apply for previous years.

[Bsch4477]

Is the university abroad? Why no EIN?  Doubt it is an eligible educational institution which would qualify you for education credit. 

[charlie-boobar]

Yes, the university was abroad, they just never applied I guess that's what the Federal Aid person there said. I did use some FAFSA loans while I was attending so I feel like it might be eligible but don't know if I should submit the 1098-T and a reassessment form to see if it gets accepted. Also if there is something that I missed it is the University of Greenwich. Thanks!

[Bsch4477]

This site contains a link to the database for eligible institutions. I did not find your school. 
https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/individuals/earned-income-tax-credit/eligible-educational-ins...

[Hal_Al · Accepted solution]

Q. Can one get the American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOC) when the university has no EIN number?

A. No. 

Even if the school is on the approved list, you cannot get the AOC if the school does not have an EIN.  This is a new rule.  

You cannot claim the American Opportunity Credit if the school is unable to provide a U.S. Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN or FEIN).  You can still claim the Lifetime Learning Credit if the foreign school is on Dept. of Education (DE)  list.

Foreign schools can obtain a US EIN and some are doing so, because of this new rule See:

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/college-education/discussion/ein-tin-for-vrije-universiteit-amster... 

and

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/college-education/discussion/king-s-college-london-does-not-provid...