I answered no to the question if I have ever received the American Opportunity Tax Credit. I did recieve it in 2014. It wont bring up the question. What do I do?

[KrisD · Accepted solution]

You are eligible to receive the credit for the first 4 years of post-secondary school.

The American Opportunity Tax Credit modifies the existing Hope Credit. The AOTC makes the Hope Credit available to a broader range of taxpayers, including many with higher incomes and those who owe no tax. It also adds required course materials to the list of qualifying expenses and allows the credit to be claimed for four post-secondary education years instead of two.

https://www.irs.gov/uac/american-opportunity-tax-credit

[dnhs009]

I have been in college for more than four years. does that change me qualifying for it?

[KrisD]

You can claim it for four years while you are in your first four years. Have you claimed it 4 times?

[dnhs009]

No but I have been in college since 2009. The system already approved me for this tax break how do I change it? Since I am not in my first 4 years of college?

[KrisD]

You can change your answer. Click on federal Taxes; Deductions & Credits; Expenses and Scholarships (Form 1098-T) Edit/Add; Edit; education Information Edit; Continue; Continue; now you can change it

[KrisD]

you can skip years, as long as you don't take it 4 times and you are still considered in your first four years (you haven't graduated) "Example 2. Wilbert was eligible for the American opportunity
credit for 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2016. His parents
claimed the American opportunity credit for Wilbert
on their tax returns for 2012, 2013, and 2014. No one
claimed an American opportunity credit or Hope scholarship
credit for Wilbert for any other tax year. The American
opportunity credit and Hope scholarship credit have been
claimed for Wilbert for only 3 tax years before 2016.
Therefore, Wilbert meets the second requirement to be eligible
for the American opportunity credit."

[dnhs009]

It is still qualifying me for the AOTC. even after I state that I have received it before.

[dnhs009]

Thank you. I understand. This was helpful!!