The following are the qualifications for claiming the American Opportunity Tax Credit:
- You paid qualified education expenses for higher education (see Related Information below)
- You paid education expenses for eligible students
- The eligible student is you, your spouse, or a dependent for whom you claim an exemption
- Your modified adjusted gross income is $90,000 ($180,000 if married filing jointly) or less (The credit is reduced between $80,000 and $90,000 ($160,000 and $180,000)
- You must be taking courses at an eligible education institution, which is any college, university, or vocational school with a student aid program administered by the US Department of Education.
You must be considered an eligible student:
- You are enrolled at least half-time in a program leading to a degree, certificate, or other recognized credential
- You had at least one academic period beginning during the year
- You did not use the American Opportunity Tax Credit in any four previous years
- You did not complete the first four years of post-secondary education before the beginning of the year
You are NOT eligible to claim the American Opportunity Tax Credit if:
- Your filing status is Married Filing Separately.
- The taxpayer is listed as a dependent on another person’s return.
- You and your spouse were non-resident aliens.
- You have a felony drug conviction.
