I have two college students and want to claim the AOC for one and the LLC for the other. TT keeps forcing the AOC for both. How do I override TT to claim the LLC?

[rdemis]

I don't want to claim the AOC for one student as they are still in High School (but taking college classes) and have many years of college ahead. AOC is capped at 4 years, LLC is unlimited in years.

[DawnC]

You can use the education optimizer to change your education credit.   How do I override the TurboTax Education Optimizer selection?   If you qualify for two or more education credits or deductions, the TurboTax Education Optimizer picks the one that gives you the biggest tax break.    To override this selection, follow these instructions.

Open or continue your return.

Navigate to the education credits and deductions section:

TurboTax Online/Mobile: Go to the education credits and deductions screen under Federal Review.

TurboTax Desktop: Search for and select letme (one word, no space).

On the Education Credits and Deduction screen, you can switch to a different education credit or deduction, assuming you meet the qualifications.

[Bsch4477]

In the interview indicate that they are not a degree or half time student. 

[Hal_Al]

I'm surprised TT is giving you the AOC.  You may have answered something wrong in the interview (most likely that your student is a degree candidate). 

High school students are not usually eligible for the more generous American Opportunity Credit, unless they are officially enrolled as a degree candidate.  From pub 970: "Example 3. During the 2025 fall semester, Larry was a high school student who took classes on a half-time basis at College X. Larry wasn't enrolled as part of a degree program at College X because College X only admits students to a degree program if they have a high school diploma or equivalent. Because Larry wasn't enrolled in a degree program at College X during 2025, Larry wasn't an eligible student for tax year 2025."  Reference: https://www.irs.gov/publications/p970/ch02.html