I WAS A FULL TIME STUDENT IN 2023 AND RECEIVED MY BACHERLORS DEGREE WHY DONT I QUALIFY FOR AMERICAN OPPORTUNITY ACT

Did you go to school for more then four (4) years before you graduated?  How many years did you claim the American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC)?  

 

For example, say you begin school in 2019.  So you claim AOTC on your 2019, 2020, 2021 & 2022 tax returns, not 2023 because you have already used up your 4 years of eligibility.  

 

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 finished 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

IRS American Opportunity Tax Credit

 

@rembaoalyssa 

 

[Edited 2/13/24 | 1:53pm PST]

Graduation year is usually the 5th calendar year of being an undergrad. If you and/or you parents already claimed the AOC 4 times, you are no longer eligible.

 

A full time unmarried student, under age 24, even if you don't qualify as a dependent, 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. It is usually best if the parent claims that credit. After, entering your birthdate and that you were a full time student, TurboTax will generate the earned income question. 

Reference: Line 7 instructions for form 8863. https://www.irs.gov/instructions/i8863

 

If you are eligible, you have answered  something wrong, in the interview. But, a lot of people are just not eligible. See Also see this TT FAQ https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/3383321-why-didn-t-i-get-a-credit-or-deduction-for-education-expen...

 https://www.irs.gov/Individuals/AOTC

https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/american-opportunity-tax-credit-questions-and-answers

https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/individuals/education-credits-questions-and-answers

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/college-education/discussion/i-have-a-1098-t-form-that-i-received-from-my-school-and-i-entered-all-the-information-but-it-said-i/01/998249#M23054