I just filled out my taxes but didn't know about the American Opportunity Tax Credit. Is there a way to still get the $1000 if I am a student?

[KatrinaB48]

If your return has already been accepted by the IRS, then you will need to file an amended return to claim the American Opportunity Credit. You should wait until your original return has been processed to do so. You will also need to mail your amended return as electronic filing is not available.

[Opus 17]

If you listed your 1098-T and didn't get the credit, you don't qualify.  If you listed your 1098-T, whatever you are entitled to was already included in your refund.

Here are some key points:

1. You can't get the AOTC if you can be claimed as a dependent by a parent.  They get it instead (if you meet all the other eligibility rules).

2. If you can't be claimed as a dependent, you can get the AOTC in your own name, but you have to have more than $10,200 of income earned from working before you start to get any credit.

3. The $1000 of "free" AOTC that is available to students who don't work, is only available if the student is age 24 or older, or if younger, both their parents have to be deceased.

So you may not qualify.

[merlinerickson]

How do I know my taxes have been processed? I have gotten emails saying they have been accepted, but I don't know if they have been processed yet.

[Opus 17]

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@merlinerickson wrote:

How do I know my taxes have been processed? I have gotten emails saying they have been accepted, but I don't know if they have been processed yet.

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For the IRS, you can check your status starting 48 hours after your return was accepted, at www.irs.gov/refunds.

For your state you will need to look up your state's specific procedure.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/refund-status/help/how-do-i-track-my-state-refund/00/25571

[Hal_Al]

There's a new urban myth among college students that says they can get a $1000 from the government just for filing a tax form. For most of them, they simply aren't eligible. A full time unmarried student, under age 24, is only eligible for the refundable portion of the American Opportunity Credit if he supports himself by working. You cannot be supporting yourself on parental support, 529 plans or student loans & grants. You usually must have actually paid tuition, not had it paid by scholarships & grants.  It is usually best if the parent claims that credit. 

You cannot claim a credit if you are, or can be, claimed as a dependent by someone else.

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