People filing as Married Filing Separately (MFS) are not eligible for the Tuition Credits, including the American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC).
Normally, if the student is somebody's dependent, that person claims the tuition credit, based on her educational expenses and 1098-T.
If she does not qualify as someone's dependent, she may claim the credit on her own return. But there are limitations for students under age 24. 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. You cannot be supporting yourself on parental support, 529 plans or student loans & grants. You usually must have actually paid tuition, not had it paid by scholarships & grants. It is usually best if the parent claims that credit.
