INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE – Education tax credits— such as the American Opportunity Credit and Lifetime Learning Credit — can help eligible students and their parents offset the cost of higher education by reducing the amount of the income tax they owe. Read below to find out which of these credits might be best for you. Keep in mind that you can’t claim both credits for the same student or same qualifying expense.
Here are a few facts about the AOTC:
The AOTC also allows students to claim tuition, required enrollment fees and course materials needed for a course of study whether or not the materials are bought at the educational institution as a condition of enrollment or attendance.
The Lifetime Learning Credit differs from the AOTC in a few ways:
Like the AOTC, the Lifetime Learning Credit allows students to claim the tuition and fees required for enrollment or attendance, including amounts required to be paid to the institution for course-related books, supplies and equipment.
Parents or students claiming either credit should receive a Form 1098-T, Tuition Statement, from their educational institution. You should make sure it is complete and correct.
See: 5 Tax Credits that Can Reduce Your Taxes
For immediate assistance with tax credits, or another tax matter, contact us today at 1-949-260-4770 for a FREE and CONFIDENTIAL consultation with our CPAs and former IRS Agents.
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