Can me and my wife claim the American Opportunity Credit for each of us?

[Critter]

Not disagreeing but there are 2 sides to the coin ...FIRST  you must determine if you are dependents.   Once that is determined THEN you can decide the path you need to take.

[Critter]

Seek help or read the pub 501  but the first question to answer is "are you a dependent?"

[Anita01]

please read my entire response again, I added new references

[Trey1]

@Critter#2 okay according to IRS questionnaire, if we filed jointly and were not filing just to claim a refund of taxes withheld, then we are not dependents therefore cannot be claimed (which is what @TurboTaxAnita has very graciously cited more sources and examples confirming this) So that should answer my dependent filing question (unless you disagree). I’m still wondering though, are we both able to claim the credit? Meaning I get the $2500 credit and so does my wife (equaling 5000) since we are filing jointly and not dependents. Or are we treated as 1 therefore can only get one credit?

[Anita01]

Yes, you can each receive an education credit.