What counts as first four years of college?

[erinmichele25]

I'm looking at claiming the American Opportunity Credit and I'm not sure if I qualify or not.  When they say "first four years of post-secondary education" what does that exactly mean?  I spent about 4 years at a community college because I changed majors.  I graduated from the community college and now I'm pursuing my bachelor's degree.  Since I have not completed my four year degree yet and I have never claimed the American Opportunity Credit, would I qualify?

[blonsteedttax123]

NO, YOU DO NOT QUALIFY

[MargaretL · Accepted solution]

If you received four years academic credit for your 4 years at a community college, then you would not qualify for the American Opportunity Credit, unfortunately.

Please refer below for more details.

https://www.irs.gov/individuals/aotc

[gokce]

What if I completed four years academic credit in a country other than the U.S.? Am I still not eligible?

[MarilynG]

Your educational institution can tell you if you've been awarded four years of college-level credit before the current tax year. If you didn't earn this amount, then you may still be eligible for the American Opportunity Credit.

Here's more info on the American Opportunity Credit. 

@gokce

[PetroleumEngineer]

Does this count for education abroad?  what should I choose if I never study in US before 

[ErnieS0]

It depends on whether the U.S. institution gives you credit for education abroad.

@TaxGuyBill says “If the current college recognizes that you have a 4-year degree, the American Opportunity is not available.  If the college only recognizes the student as a pre-gradate (a Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, or Senior), the American Opportunity may be claimed (if all other criteria are met).”

See Does bachelor degree earned from other country count towards 4-year college credit for American Oppo...

[PetroleumEngineer]

I am international and have previously taken loans and received 1098 E and 1098T forms. I am wondering if I am qualified for this. I had bachelor's degree in the past in another country.

[MichaelG81]

It depends, here is what the IRS published on guidance for the educational credits including those for international students who may be a non-resident, and for eligible institutions: 

Who can claim an education credit?

There are additional rules for each credit, but you must meet all three of the following for both:

1. You, your dependent or a third party pays qualified education expenses for higher education.
2. An eligible student must be enrolled at an eligible educational institution.
3. The eligible student is yourself, your spouse or a dependent you list on your tax return.

Who cannot claim an education credit?

You cannot claim an education credit when:

• Someone else, such as your parents, list you as a dependent on their tax return
• Your filing status is married filing separately
• You already claimed or deducted another higher education benefit using the same student or same expenses (see Education Benefits: No Double Benefits Allowed for more information)
• You (or your spouse) were a non-resident alien for any part of the year and did not choose to be treated as a resident alien for tax purposes (find more information in Publication 519, U.S. Tax Guide for Aliens)

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@PetroleumEngineer

[PetroleumEngineer]

Thank you for your time and explanation. I am in the Ph.D. program in my second year. Can I amend both the 2021 and 2021 tax returns ? 

[ThomasM125]

You can amend a return to receive a refund for up to three years from the due date of the tax return. @PetroleumEngineer