Can I use my 1098T on my taxes instead of my parents? Since I earned to much income and went to school part-time only, they weren't able to claim me after all.

[Coleen3]

Since you are not a dependent, you could potentially claim the credit. However, you have to be a half-time student, however your school defines it.

To be eligible for AOTC, 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.