Running Start and American Opportunity Credit

[macuddy]

The American Opportunity Credit states that it is only good for the first 4 years of college (Did the student complete the first 4 years of postsecondary education before 2023?)  Do the running start years count as postsecondary years (study after high school) During this time The student was enrolled at a college, taking college classes, but was also enrolled at the local school district as a high schooler.  At the end of this time, the student received both a High school diploma AND an Associate of Arts degree.  

So - Do the Running start years count as years of postsecondary education?

[Hal_Al]

Q.  Do the Running start years count as years of postsecondary education?

A. Yes, in your case, because they counted for an AA degree.   

[DawnC]

Yes, but you can take the credit if you have not completed 4 years of higher education.    To be eligible for American Opportunity Tax Credit, the student must:

• Be pursuing a degree or other recognized education credential
• Be enrolled at least half time for at least one academic period* beginning in the tax year
• Not have finished the first four years of higher education at the beginning of the tax year
• Not have claimed the AOTC or the former Hope credit for more than four tax years
• Not have a felony drug conviction at the end of the tax year

*Academic Period can be semesters, trimesters, quarters or any other period of study such as a summer school session. The schools determine the academic periods. For schools that use clock or credit hours and do not have academic terms, the payment period may be treated as an academic period.