I don't understand why my wife isn't getting an education tax break. she paid >$30K in tuition in loans and turbotax keeps saying "no net qualified education expenses"

[Hal_Al]

Graduate students are not eligible for the refundable credit. You only get a tax credit to offset an actual tax liability. $14K in tuition should qualify you for a $2000 non-refundable credit.

[Hal_Al]

If you are eligible, you have answered  something wrong, in the interview. But, a lot of people are just not eligible. See https://www.irs.gov/Individuals/AOTC  or https://www.irs.gov/individuals/llc

It may only be you are looking in the wrong place. The non-refundable portion shows on line 50 of form 1040 and will be blank if you had no tax liability to off set. The refundable portion (up to $1000 will be on line 17 (and 17c) of 1040.

 There is a limit of claiming the AOTC a total of four times (4 tax years) per student, whether claimed by the student or his parents. You cannot file as Married Filing separately.

Go thru the interview again. In particular, Edit your personal information at the beginning of the software. 

Also see this TT FAQ https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/3383321-why-didn-t-i-get-a-credit-or-deduction-for-education-expen...

[cobbsauce]

i went back and looked at everything. we are filing jointly, we are within the AGI and i have the 1098T form... maybe there's something wrong with TurboTax? i dont see how i'm missing it

[Hal_Al]

What about the 4 times thing?
 The $160K income limit is only for the American Opportunity Credit (AOTC).  If she (and/or her parents) already claimed it 4 times, then the $134K limit applies to the Lifetime Learning Credit (LLC).
Grad students are not eligible for the AOTC. Undergrads must be half time or more.

[Carl]

I'm wondering that if with all the playing around changing everything, if the program hasn't been confused. This is more common with a 1099-Q. However, jumping around can probably do it too. Here's my suggestion.
Go through the Education section the way it's designed and intended to be used, and ensure you delete everything in that section.
Next, save your return (IMPORTANT!) and then log out of your account entirely.
Now log back in to your account and go to the start of the education section and work it through fresh the way it's designed and intended to be used.
Understand it's important to read the small print because it does matter big time. Particularly if you are filing MFJ.

[Anonymous]

was your adjusted gross income over $134,000? 

see if you can review the student info worksheet.  Part !!!.  that should give you reason for non qualification. 

[cobbsauce]

yes we just barely made over 134,000 as a joint married couple but we made less than 160,000... and the IRS says "To claim the full credit, your MAGI,? modified adjusted gross income must be $80,000 or less ($160,000 or less for married filing jointly)."so i assume we get at least come return but it says "no net qualified education expenses"