I'm a graduate student but only claimed AOTC once

[cassadylilly]

I graduated undergraduate a year early in 2019, so I was able to get the AOTC credit last year because that would have been my fourth year. I only claimed AOTC once though, so would I still be eligible to claim it this year even though I'm past the four year mark but never received all four credits?

[MinhT1]

The American Opportunity credit is available if you have not completed the first four years of of higher education, but you are only allowed to claim it for a maximum of four tax years.

As you have completed your four years of credit, you are no longer eligible even if you had claimed the creidt less than four times.

To be eligible for AOTC, the student must:

• Be pursuing a degree or other recognized education credential
• Be enrolled at least half time for at least one academic period* beginning in the tax year
• Not have completed the first four years of higher education at the beginning of the tax year
• Not have claimed the AOTC or the former Hope credit for more than four tax years
• Not have a felony drug conviction at the end of the tax year

[cassadylilly]

Can I claim the LLC?

[ColeenD3]

Yes, you can claim the LLC if you qualify.

Who can claim the LLC?

To claim the LLC, you must meet all three of the following:

1. You, your dependent or a third party pay qualified education expenses for higher education.
2. You, your dependent or a third party pay the education expenses for an eligible student enrolled at an eligible educational institution.
3. The eligible student is yourself, your spouse or a dependent you listed on your tax return.

See "Who Cannot Claim an Education Credit" on our Education Credits — AOTC and LLC page.

[Hal_Al]

Q, I only claimed AOTC once though, so would I still be eligible to claim it this year even though I'm past the four year mark but never received all four credits?

A. No. You had completed 4 years of post secondary education before January 1, 2021, so you are no longer eligible.

Q. Can I claim the LLC?

A. Yes

Q. I graduated undergraduate a year early in 2019.  So I was able to get the AOTC credit last year (2020) because that would have been my fourth year.  Correct?

A. Probably not. Receiving a degree in 2019 probably means you  had completed 4 years of post secondary education before January 1, 2020, and that made you ineligible for the AOTC, for 2020.