Where can I find out how many years of the American Opportunity Credit I have claimed?

[cthomas2851]

Where on the IRS transcripts do I look? Like account transcript or another one? Also what does the line say that shows that?

Turbo seems to think I am able to claim AOTC but I am not sure and do not want to be audited.

[JohnW152]

@cthomas2851

It depends on what type of transcript you have, and what tax year the return was for.  

A Tax Return Transcript shows most line items on your return as filed – it doesn't display any changes made after you filed your original return.  If you have this type of transcript, the item you’re looking for should be easily identifiable.  You’d need to compare the transcript to an actual return to see what’s present.  For example, if you want to know what’s on a 2019 Form 1040 transcript you have, go to the IRS’ Forms & Instructions, type in 1040, and enter; on the next page, type in 2019 next to where you’ve typed in 1040 and, next to Select Filter, choose Prior, and search again.  You’ll find the 2019 1040 in the list.

A Tax Account Transcript displays very basic information, such as filing status, adjusted gross income, taxable income, and types of payment.  However, this transcript shows changes that were made after you filed your original return.

There are other types of transcripts, as well.  Please see the IRS’ Transcript Types and Ways to Order Them page for more detail.

[tman441]

Have the same question.  I saw some blanks to fill in number of years applied for the AO credit and Hope credit, but now I can not get back to them.  

[Hal_Al]

 Go through the entire education interview until you reach a screen titled "Your Education Expenses Summary".  Click edit next to the student's name. That should take you to a screen “Here’s your Education Summary”. Click edit next to “Education Information”. You will eventually reach that screen. 

[JirairApelian]

I already called IRS but they say they only have records 3 years back. So my client has been paying taxes since 2011 but she does not know if she ever claimed AOC. Any idea how to get the records?

[VictoriaD75]

In 2009, the American Opportunity Tax Credit replaced the Hope Credit as one of the available education credits. However, the four year rule applies to both combined. You could not take the Hope Credit for four years and separately take the American Opportunity Credit for four additional years. According to the IRS, tax account transcripts are available for the current year and nine prior tax years unless certain conditions apply. Unfortunately, unless they retained records, there may not be recourse to retrieve older tax returns.

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@JirairApelian 

[macaya06]

Do line 50 and 68 have to have a number ? On my 2016 1040 line have o and line 68 have 60.00

[BrittanyS]

Line 50 is for your education credits.  If the line is $0 you can review form 8863 to determine why.  Line 68 is the Earned Income Credit.  You can review form EIC to see the calculation for the EIC credit.

@macaya06