turbotax icon
cancel
Showing results for 
Search instead for 
Did you mean: 
turbotax icon
cancel
Showing results for 
Search instead for 
Did you mean: 
Announcements
Close icon
Do you have a TurboTax Online account?

We'll help you get started or pick up where you left off.

Can I amend my tax return to claim AOTC instead of deduction

Hi! So this is my first year to file my tax independently, and I didn't know about AOTC before. I just found it out after I submitted my tax return weeks ago. Weirdly, Turbotax suggested make tuition fees as part of the deductions instead of claiming AOTC. After some research, I think I am eligible for full 1,000 dollars credit. So, as the title says, can I amend my return to claim AOTC and omit the tuition fees deduction?

x
Do you have an Intuit account?

Do you have an Intuit account?

You'll need to sign in or create an account to connect with an expert.

5 Replies

Can I amend my tax return to claim AOTC instead of deduction

You can amend your return but wait until your original return is processed and you got your refund or paid your tax liability. 

AmyC
Expert Alumni

Can I amend my tax return to claim AOTC instead of deduction

Yes, if you qualify for the AOTC. The AOTC is only good for 4 years so if you only have one semester of tuition, you may want to wait and use it when you have 4 full years of tuition. You would not need to amend your state return.

 

Once your original return is accepted and the finances are settled, you can file an amended return. 

**Say "Thanks" by clicking the thumb icon in a post
**Mark the post that answers your question by clicking on "Mark as Best Answer"

Can I amend my tax return to claim AOTC instead of deduction

You can get a maximum annual credit of $2,500.  If the credit brings the amount of tax you owe to zero, you can have 40 percent of any remaining amount of the credit (up to $1,000) refunded to you.

 

The amount of the credit is 100 percent of the first $2,000 of qualified education expenses you paid, and 25 percent of the next $2,000 of qualified education expenses.

DanielV01
Expert Alumni

Can I amend my tax return to claim AOTC instead of deduction

@SPACE bepop  You can claim the AOTC if it has not been claimed on your education for 4 years already (even by your parents if you were a dependent on prior returns).  If you qualify for this, and the Tuition and Fees deduction was claimed instead, you could, in fact amend your return to claim AOTC instead.  This link explains how:  How to amend (change or correct) a return you already filed

**Say "Thanks" by clicking the thumb icon in a post
**Mark the post that answers your question by clicking on "Mark as Best Answer"
Hal_Al
Level 15

Can I amend my tax return to claim AOTC instead of deduction

@space bebop said "After some research, I think I am eligible for full 1,000 dollars credit."

TurboTax most likely selected the Tuition and Fees deduction because you were not eligible for the AOTC.

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, 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 (earned income). 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.

 

message box icon

Get more help

Ask questions and learn more about your taxes and finances.

Post your Question
Manage cookies