American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC): A Complete Guide
If you or someone you know is currently paying for college, you may be eligible for the American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC). The AOTC is a federal tax credit that can help offset the cost of higher education expenses. In this article, we'll explore what the AOTC is, who is eligible, and how to claim it.
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What is the American Opportunity Tax Credit?
The American Opportunity Tax Credit is a federal tax credit that helps students and their families offset the cost of higher education expenses. It was introduced in 2009 as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and is designed to encourage more Americans to pursue higher education.
How Does the AOTC Work?
The AOTC is a tax credit, which means that it directly reduces the amount of income tax you owe. The credit is worth up to $2,500 per year per eligible student and can be used for up to four years of college or other eligible education expenses. The credit is calculated based on the amount of qualified education expenses paid during the tax year, including tuition, fees, and course materials.
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Who is Eligible for the AOTC?
To be eligible for the AOTC, you must meet the following criteria:
You must be enrolled at least half-time in a degree or certificate program at an eligible educational institution.
You must not have completed your first four years of higher education at the beginning of the tax year.
You must not have claimed the AOTC or the former Hope Credit for more than four tax years.
You must not have a felony drug conviction.
How to Claim the AOTC?
To claim the AOTC, you must complete Form 8863, Education Credits, and attach it to your federal income tax return. You must also provide the name, address, and taxpayer identification number of the educational institution you or the student attended.
It's important to keep in mind that the AOTC is a non-refundable credit, which means that if the credit exceeds the amount of income tax you owe, you will not receive a refund for the difference. However, you may be able to carry forward any unused portion of the credit to future tax years.
The American Opportunity Tax Credit is a valuable tax credit that can help offset the cost of higher education expenses. To be eligible, you must be enrolled at least half-time in a degree or certificate program at an eligible educational institution, not have completed your first four years of higher education, and meet other eligibility requirements. To claim the credit, you must complete Form 8863 and attach it to your federal income tax return. By claiming the AOTC, you can reduce your tax bill and potentially save thousands of dollars on the cost of higher education.
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