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Returning Member
posted Mar 21, 2021 12:00:56 PM

During the Smart Check, the following came up: Dependent Information Worksheet (name) -- Student Info Worksheet: Question 1. Years of college must be entered. Our daughter has 2 years left for her undergraduate degree, how should I answer the question?

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3 Replies
Expert Alumni
Mar 21, 2021 3:09:17 PM

An eligible student for the American Opportunity Credit is defined as a student who:

  • Is enrolled at least half-time in a program leading to a degree, certificate, or other recognized credential.
  • Had at least one academic period beginning during the year.
  • Didn't claim the American Opportunity Tax Credit for more than three previous years.
  • Didn't complete the first four years of post-secondary education before the beginning of the year.

You need to revisit the Education section to make you have answered all the questions. 

  • Login to your account.
  • Select Federal from the left menu.
  • Go to Deductions and Credits.
  • Scroll down to Education 
  • Select Revisit next to Expenses and Scholarships (Form 1098-T)
  • On the screen Your Education Expenses Summary select edit next to your daughter's name.
  • Select Edit next to Education Information
  • On the screen Is This your daughter's First Year of College? Select No
  • On the screen Did your daughter Ever Receive the American Opportunity or Hope Credit? enter the number of years the credit was claimed.

Level 15
Mar 21, 2021 3:13:55 PM

Answer no, to the question #1, part II: "1. Did student complete the first 4 years of post secondary education as of 1/1/2020". 

Returning Member
Mar 21, 2021 3:20:33 PM

The question about 'Is This your daughter's First Year of College?' never came up on the screen.  However, the 'Smart Check' provided an opportunity to answer the questions.