I am 17 year old freshman (US Citizen). My parents paid my tution fees (as a gift to me). They are NOT going to claim me as dependant. In that case, if I file my own return, can I claim refundable AOTC? I have zero earn income and have small interest income. Bit confused as From 8863 says expenses paid by a thrid party are treated as paid by students. If so tuition expenses paid by parents can be treated as gift to me that I used towards tuition fees?
However under student eligibility criteria it says your earned income should be more than half of your support, does it mean I am not qualified?
