Have I earned four years of college credit before 2018?

[rudy-valentini]

I graduated in May 2018. I have never taken the American Opportunity Tax Credit because my parents have always claimed me, but this year I am filing independently. I am currently in a graduate program, and I was told by my school that on the 1099-T, they always add the entire tuition bill to the year prior, meaning that spring of 2018 was put onto the 1099-T for 2017. Should I say that I HAVE earned 4 years of college credit before 2018 or I HAVEN'T earned four years of college credit before 2018? I think that depends on whether or not I get that AOTC credit. 

[KittyM · Accepted solution]

You haven't earned four full years of college credit, but your parents most likely have already claimed all four years of the American Opportunity credit. (You might ask them to confirm.)  Year 1 is the fall of your Freshman year, Year 2 is Freshman 2 - Sophomore 1, Year 3 is Sophomore 2 - Junior 1 and Year 4 is Junior 2 - Senior 1.

However, you likely qualify for the Lifetime Learning Credit and should complete the interview.