Do I mark “at least half time” or “full time” if I was a full time student for only one semester for the American Opportunity Credit?

[Anonymous]

Concerning my education information and enrollment status for 2018 that I entered in the TurboTax app for the purpose of finding education credits, I’m confused if I should put “at least half time” or “full time”. I was a full time student for the spring 2018 semester, but withdrew after doing 2 weeks full time in the fall semester, so I was really only full time for one semester. I was directed by the app to a similar question in which the individual said they were a  full time student for only one semester, and the answer TurboTax gave was to put “at least half time since that’s what the 1098-T says”, which mine also says. However, that answer also says that full time or “at least half time” status shouldn’t affect the eligibility for the credit, but it does for me. I discovered that I am eligible for the American Opportunity Credit if I answer “at least half time”, but not if I answer “full time.” Why is this and can I answer “at least half time” as TurboTax obstructed the other individual to do like I mentioned?

[DanaB · Accepted solution]

Yes, you can mark yes to "at least half time" if this was your case and it is shown on your 1098-T. You are correct that "at least half time" is one of the requirements of the American Opportunity Credit, you do not need to be a full-time student. I will forward this issue to our department but you should be able to move forward preparing your tax return by choosing "at least half time".