American Opportunity
Credit
Determining Taxpayer Eligible to Claim the Credit
Use these questions to determine who
claims the American Opportunity Credit credit on the federal income tax return,
regardless of who paid the expenses.
Does the student qualify as a dependent?
Will the taxpayer claim this student as a dependent on
the taxpayer's federal income tax return?
Is the taxpayer who is claiming the student married?
Is a joint federal income tax return being filed?
Does the student qualify as a
dependent?
Yes.
Proceed to the next question.
No.
The student is independent; only the student may
claim the American Opportunity Credit credit.
Will the taxpayer claim this student as
a dependent on the taxpayer's federal income tax return?
Yes.
Proceed to the next question.
No.
The taxpayer forfeits the right to the American
Opportunity Credit if the
student is not a claimed
dependent. Only the student may claim the American
Opportunity Credit
credit.
Is the taxpayer who is claiming the
student married?
Yes.
Proceed to the next question.
No.
Only the taxpayer may claim the American Opportunity
Credit credit.
Is a joint federal
income tax return being filed?
Yes.
Only the taxpayer may claim the American Opportunity
Credit credit.
No.
The American Opportunity Credit credit is forfeited.
Salisbury University is providing this information as a
service to its students, but please keep in mind it is not an authority on
taxation. Therefore, the University is not responsible for any
misrepresentation of the IRS regulations. You should consult a tax advisor
to determine if you qualify for the credit or for any other related
questions.
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