@bluemax786 Are you saying that you actually do not need to file a return of your own or was that just a hypothetical question? I assumed earlier that you were not eligible for the AOTC because your income was too high. If the opposite is true, you're not filing because your income is too low, you do qualify for the refundable portion of the AOTC (up to $1000).
Another thing to consider, you and your son are limited to claiming the AOTC 4 times. Do you want to use one up on a low amount, if it might be higher later. The AOTC is only good for undergrad education (you can count it for grad school in the same year that you complete your BS/BA).
