Education Deductions/Credits

[kay510]

While entering my education expenses I qualified for the American Education credit (I think that's what it's called). When finishing up I was asked if I completed my basic 4 years of college before 2019 and I then lost all the money from that deduction. I did have expenses for my Credential program so I'm not sure why the fact that it was after 4 years makes a difference. 

[AnnetteB6]

The American Opportunity Tax Credit is only available for students attending the first four years of college.  That is just one of the requirements that must be met to get that particular education credit.  

You should go back through the education section of your return because there are two other credits/tax benefits that you may qualify to take for your education expenses.  The Lifetime Learning Credit or the Tuition and Fees Deduction may apply to your situation.  After all of the qualification questions have been answered, TurboTax will recommend which education tax benefit would be best.

To learn more, take a look at the following TurboTax articles:

What education tax credits are available?

What is the tuition and fees deduction?

@kay510