If I've used the American Opportunity Credit 4 times, is there any way for me to claim student credit since I paid 100% out of pocket?

[tsw94]

I've been paying college 100% out of my pocket for the last 5 years. I understand that I cannot claim the American Opportunity Credit because I've already done it 4 times. However, I still paid 100% out of my own pocket and I just completed an Associate's degree at the end of 2017. I'm turning 24 during the tax season as well. Considering all of that, my question is, is there still a way to get a refund on the money I paid in school other than the AOC?

[Vanessa]

Since you used all 4 years of the AOTC, there would not be a refundable credit available. The only credit that would be available would be the Lifetime Learning Credit.  This is a non-refundable credit, however, if you have a tax liability it can help to decrease your liability, therefore, increasing your refund.  Click here for more information on the Lifetime Learning Credit