My turbotax says that I don't qualify for the American Opportunity credit, but I know I do. What should I do?

[aghetzer]

I am not claimed as a dependent, I'm a full-time student in my 4th year of college and I support myself entirely. What can I do to still claim this credit?

[KrisD15]

If you have more expenses than assistance (Scholarships, Distributions), go through the ENTIRE education interview and read the questions carefully. 

Make sure you enter less than 4 for number of prior years claiming the credit 

Make sure your income is not too high for the credit

Type 

letme

into the search and click the "Jump to letme" link, the program should show the credits you are eligible for. 

continue and there will be a screen 

[Hal_Al]

It depends on how you support yourself. 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. 

Reference: Line 7 instructions for form 8863. https://www.irs.gov/instructions/i8863

When TurboTax sees that you are a FT student, under 24, it will add an earned income support question to the interview. The earned income support question is part of the personal info interview, not  the education interview.

Go thru the personal info  section again and be sure you answered that question correctly (or you answered the preceding questions correctly to generate that question).