"Had You Earned Four Years of College Credit Before 2023?" Do I choose yes or no, if I attended for more than 4 years but have NOT graduated with a Bachelor's Degree yet?

[Bsch4477]

If you don’t have a degree AND have not claimed the American Opportunity Credit 4 times answer No. 

[lode124933]

Already chose yes and moved on because I'm confused and tired (Long-Covid brain). However, I was gone from college for 11 years (returned last year) and am not sure when the AOC credit came about, or how many times I may have claimed it. How can I find that out? (Probably pointless to ask, since I've already submitted it.)

[Hal_Al · Accepted solution]

Q. Am not sure when the AOC credit came about, or how many times I may have claimed it. How can I find that out? 

A. The American Opportunity Credit (AOC )is successor to the Hope Credit. Both the Hope and AOC count toward the four time limit. Any credits claimed by your parents, on your education, also count toward that 4 times.  The only way to find out is review both you and your parents past tax returns. The AOC dates to 2009 and the Hope to 1998. 

[lode124933]

I don't have any contact with the violent criminals that "raised" me. I've been completely self-sufficient since I was a teen and have never gotten any financial support from them; if they've ever claimed me as a dependent while I've been in college, they've been committing tax fraud. (But how would I know, I go to extreme lengths to maintain absolutely no contact.)

I also had my backup records damaged beyond repair (i.e. computer, ext. hard drives) and thus don't have access to my past tax returns. 

How can I find my past tax returns from over 7 years ago? I was told the IRS gets rid of them..?

[Hal_Al · Accepted solution]

You can file form 4506 and pay $43 to  the IRS and get a copy of a previous year return  or file Form 4506-T to order a free transcript of tax return info that provides line entries from tax returns for 3 prior years and data from forms W-2 and 1099. http://www.irs.gov/Individuals/Get-Transcript

https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/heres-how-people-can-request-a-copy-of-their-previous-tax-return

[lode124933]

That is good to know, thank you!