Q. The issue appears to be that I am alive, and according to the IRS website, this makes her NOT eligible for the refundable portion?
A. No, that's not so. It means the opposite; orphans don't have to support themselves, with earned income, to get the refundable AOTC. The fact that she supports herself with earned income negates the need for her to be an orphan.
If TT isn't giving her the refundable credit, you've answered something wrong in the interview, possibly the earned income support question, itself. Also, be sure to say no to the question CAN she be claimed as a dependent.
