You don't need to "prove it", when you file your tax return. You claim the credit on form 8863, then lines 50 & 68 of form 1040, based on your own records.
If you have an IRS letter denying the credit, you need to explain the circumstances. Generally, you need to show you qualify. See https://www.irs.gov/Individuals/AOTC . Or they may just be asking for proof you paid. The 1098-T will frequently only indicate what you were billed, not what you actually paid.
For further discussion, see https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/2956076-why-am-i-receiving-0-return-for-american-opportunity-credit-i-meet-all-pre-requisites-please-advise?jump_to=similar-questions
That comes from form 8863.
If you need to support the entries on the 8863 then look to your form 1098-T plus any receipts from the school.
will copy of checks work as a receipts or bank statements
Yes copies of checks and/or bank statements will suffice. Better yet, would be copies of the school's billing statements in addition to the cancelled checks
thanks very helpful....sorry I took long to answer you
You don't need to "prove it", when you file your tax return. You claim the credit on form 8863, then lines 50 & 68 of form 1040, based on your own records.
If you have an IRS letter denying the credit, you need to explain the circumstances. Generally, you need to show you qualify. See https://www.irs.gov/Individuals/AOTC . Or they may just be asking for proof you paid. The 1098-T will frequently only indicate what you were billed, not what you actually paid.
For further discussion, see https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/2956076-why-am-i-receiving-0-return-for-american-opportunity-credit-i-meet-all-pre-requisites-please-advise?jump_to=similar-questions