I have had four (4) years of college and each year I am claimed as a dependent while my parents get to use my 1098-T form. They have claimed the American Opportunity Tax Credit (all 4 years and they can no longer utilize this credit). However, this year my life has changed quite a bit which has allowed me to file as an independent for the first time. However, I am still in my last two years of college.
My question is simply this, am I eligible to claim the AOTC for myself this year since I am an independent or am I forced into the Lifelong Learning Credit due to the prior (4) years of my parents claiming the AOTC?
