How do you file for the American Opportunity credit. I think need to fill out IRS Form 8863. How do I do that on TurboTax? I filled out 1098-T and I didnt get prompted.

Form 8863 Education Credits (American Opportunity and Lifetime Learning Credits) is automatically generated when you enter education-related expenses and qualify. 

 

Qualifications for claiming the American Opportunity Tax Credit are:

• You paid an eligible student's qualified education expenses for higher education at any college, university, or vocational school with a student aid program administered by the US Department of Education.
• The eligible student is you, your spouse, or a dependent on your return.
• For the full credit, your MAGI (modified adjusted gross income) is less than $90,000 ($180,000 if you're filing jointly).
  • For a reduced credit, your MAGI is between $80,000 and $90,000 ($160,000 and $180,000 if you're filing jointly).

An eligible student 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.

The American Opportunity Tax Credit cannot be claimed on Married Filing Separately returns nor under any of these conditions:

• The student is a dependent on someone else's return.
• The student is a nonresident alien (unless the student's spouse is a resident and they file a joint return treating both as residents, or the parents claim the student as a dependent on their joint return).
• The student had a felony drug conviction.

I got the 1998  T FOR MY SON STUDENT . DO I NEED TO FILL OUT THE 8863? I CAN'T FIND IT ON TT

 Taxpayers use Form 8863 to figure and claim their education credits, which are based on qualified education expenses paid to an eligible postsecondary educational institution. There are two education credits.

• The American Opportunity Credit, part of which may be refundable.
• The Lifetime Learning Credit, which is nonrefundable.irs.gov

 

When you report the 1098-T form and enter the education expenses in the education section, TurboTax will automatically generate form 8863.

To report form 1098-T:

• Login to your return.
• Select Federal from the left menu.
• Go to Deductions and Credits.
• Scroll down to Education.
• Click start next to Expenses and Scholarships (Form 1098-T)