Did you ever receive the American Opportunity or Hope Credit?

[jamesf]

I am independent and have been in college starting from Fall 2015 until now(part time student from Fall 2016 until now). When I filed my tax return for year 2016 and 2015, I got my 1040A and Form 8863 for both years so does this mean I need to put "Yes, I received one or both of these credits in a prior year" and enter 2 for "Number of years the American Opportunity Credit was claimed"?

[LeeM · Accepted solution]

You would select Yes for the first question. For the second questions, you would need to look at the Form 8863 to see which credit was taken each year. 

If you had taken one or both of the credits, they will be split out on the bottom of page 2 of your Form 8863 (see attached screenshot).

[jamesf]

Thank you for your reply @TurboTaxLeeM . I'm reading my Form 8863 from year 2016 and 2015. Both have credits entered for American Opportunity Credit so does this mean I need to put "2" for "Number of years the American Opportunity Credit was claimed"?

[LeeM]

Yes, exactly. You would select Yes for the first answer and enter "2" for the number of years the AOC was claimed. Leave the other field for the Hope Tax Credit blank.

[jamesf]

Thank you so much for your help, sir!