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SimplyCPA
Glossary/American Opportunity Tax Credit

What is American Opportunity Tax Credit?

In short

The American Opportunity Tax Credit is a credit of up to $2,500 per eligible student for qualified expenses in the first four years of postsecondary education: 100% of the first $2,000 and 25% of the next $2,000.

Key takeaways

  • Up to 40% of it (as much as $1,000) is refundable.
  • The student must be enrolled at least half-time in a program leading to a degree or credential.
  • The same expenses can't be used for both it and the Lifetime Learning credit or a tax-free 529 distribution.

Where it's tested

REG: Filing Status, Credits & Alternative Minimum Tax — study notes, a five-minute revision sheet and practice questions.

Practise: 3 questions

Question 1 of 3 · 0 answered

Which education credit is partially refundable?

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