I didn't get American opportunity credit but I know I am eligible.

[ygto689466]

this is the first time I do my taxes

[Hal_Al]

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. You cannot be supporting yourself on parental support, 529 plans or student loans & 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.

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-... 

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f8917.pdf

[MonikaK1]

An eligible student for the American Opportunity Tax Credit is a student who:

• Was enrolled at least half-time in a program leading toward a degree, certificate or other recognized educational credential for at least one academic period during the tax year,
• Has not completed the first four years of post-secondary (education after high school) at the beginning of the tax year,
• Has not claimed (or someone else has not claimed) the AOTC for the student for more than four years, and
• Was not convicted of a federal or state felony drug offense at the end of the tax year.

You cannot claim an education credit when:

• Someone else, such as your parents, lists you as a dependent on their tax return or qualifies to claim you as a dependent
• Your filing status is married filing separately

See this article for more information from TurboTax on this topic.

See here and here for more information from the IRS on this topic.

@ygto689466