American Opportunity Tax Credit

[Vmorales24]

Hi! 

Yesterday I went to file my taxes and took in my W-2 and my 1098-T. When I told the guy to put my form in for my 1098-T he said I wasn’t allowed to receive the credit because the new “tax laws” say we can only claim the credit once every 4 years. I am independent, 21 years old, and this is my 3rd year in college as an undergrad. He said on the tax form when he checked the box that indicated if I was “under 24 years old” that the credit was automatically removed. Is there a reason why I am having this problem if in for the 2017 and 2018 taxes I never had a problem and received my credit ? 

[Vmorales24]

Yesterday I went to file my taxes and took in my W-2 and my 1098-T. When I told the guy to put my form in for my 1098-T he said I wasn’t allowed to receive the credit because the new “tax laws” say we can only claim the credit once every 4 years. I am independent, 21 years old, and this is my 3rd year in college as an undergrad. He said on the tax form when he checked the box that indicated if I was “under 24 years old” that the credit was automatically removed. Is there a reason why I am having this problem if in for the 2017 and 2018 taxes I never had a problem and received my credit ? 

[DavidD66 · Accepted solution]

I don't know who was telling you these things, but I would not continue to let them help you with your tax returns.  See the following TurobTax Help article for information on The American Opportunity Tax Credit:

Who is eligible to take the American Opportunity Tax Credit?

[Vmorales24]

Thank you David! 
I decided to file my return with TurboTax just a few minutes ago in hopes it would go through and thankfully the “tax preparer” I went to had not submitted my return yet and the IRS accepted my return. Will be asking for a refund of the services I paid for as TurboTax did give me the full refund I was supposed to get.