I can't figure out how many times I've claimed the American opportunity tax credit

[Critter]

You have 2 options ... 

1) look at all the prior year returns on the form 8863

2) take the AOC and let the IRS tell you if you have exceeded the limit

[phinz94]

How will they tell me that I have exceeded the limit?

[Critter]

They will reduce the refund you are expecting and send a letter of explanation later.

[rosy]

will there be a penalty for trying it 

let's say I claimed the credit for four years and I claim it again B/C I wasn't sure that I have exceeded the 4 years allowed will they penalize me for that?