turbotax icon
cancel
Showing results for 
Search instead for 
Did you mean: 
turbotax icon
cancel
Showing results for 
Search instead for 
Did you mean: 
Announcements
Close icon
Do you have a TurboTax Online account?

We'll help you get started or pick up where you left off.

How can I take American Opportunity credit for foreign university (Cambridge) with no EIN, only fedID?

My Daughter attends Cambridge University in UK and I have always taken American opportunity credit for this foreign school using the US FedID for the school but this year turbo tax is asking for EIN which I cannot find for the foreign school.  Where can this be found and is it actually necessary? (Have the rules changed this year?) The school does not issue a 1098-T as it is a foreign school but that is not the problem, only this new EIN requirement to get the American opportunity credit. Please advise.

x
Do you have an Intuit account?

Do you have an Intuit account?

You'll need to sign in or create an account to connect with an expert.

4 Replies

How can I take American Opportunity credit for foreign university (Cambridge) with no EIN, only fedID?

Did you get any update on this? I am also at Cambridge

How can I take American Opportunity credit for foreign university (Cambridge) with no EIN, only fedID?

I called Cambridge and they do not have an EIN. But the University had the College provide us with a letter with info similar to what's on a 1098-T (how much you've paid in tuition and fees for the year) .
So I plan to still try to take the credit by using a dummy EIN of nine 9s (with a dash after the first two 9s) , which then allows calculation of the AOC in TurboTax.  I will then print out and file by mail attaching the letter from Cambridge and a letter from me explaining why I believe we are entitled to the credit because Cambridge University  participates in the US federal student loan program but does not have an EIN.

How can I take American Opportunity credit for foreign university (Cambridge) with no EIN, only fedID?

I called Cambridge and they do not have an EIN. But the University had the College provide us with a letter with info similar to what's on a 1098-T (how much you've paid in tuition and fees for the year) .
So I plan to still try to take the credit by using a dummy EIN of nine 9s (with a dash after the first two 9s) , which then allows calculation of the AOC in TurboTax.  I will then print out and file by mail attaching the letter from Cambridge and a letter from me explaining why I believe we are entitled to the credit because Cambridge University  participates in the US federal student loan program but does not have an EIN.

How can I take American Opportunity credit for foreign university (Cambridge) with no EIN, only fedID?

There is a new requirement for 2017 that requires a Federal EIN in order to claim the American Opportunity Credit.  Without this number, you will not be able to claim the AOC but could be eligible for other educational benefits such as the Lifetime Learning Credit.  You would need to contact the foreign school to see if they have a US Fed EIN, which some of them do.

See page 2 of IRS Publication 970 under What's New -

Educational institution's EIN required. To claim the American opportunity credit, you must provide the educational institution's employer identification number (EIN) on your Form 8863. You should be able to obtain this information from Form 1098-T or the educational institution. See chapter 2.

message box icon

Get more help

Ask questions and learn more about your taxes and finances.

Post your Question