Q. I plan to file as a dependent (like submit my own taxes separately but still click on the option stating that someone has claimed me as a dependent on their own taxes) so that I could get back any withheld taxes. Can I also get the American Education Credit (whatever that college credit tax thing is)?
A. No. For two reasons. 1. Just being a dependent disqualifies you. 2. 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 (more than half your support must come from your own earned income, $7000 isn't enough). You cannot be supporting yourself on parental support, 529 plans or student loans & grants.
It is usually best if the parent claims that credit. If the parent doesn't qualify (usually because their income is too high), then the credit is lost. If your income was high enough to have an actual tax liability, there is a provision to allow you to claim the non refundable credit. But that's not your case.
