An education credit helps with the cost of higher education by reducing the amount of tax owed on your tax return. If the credit reduces your tax to less than zero, you may get a refund. There are two education credits available: theAmerican Opportunity Tax Credit and the Lifetime Learning Credit.
Don’t overlook these important credits.
Who can claim an education credit?
There are additional rules for each credit, but you must meet all three of the following for both:
- You, your dependent or a third party pays qualified education expenses for higher education.
- An eligible student must be enrolled at an eligible educational institution.
- The eligible student is yourself, your spouse or a dependent you list on your tax return.
Who cannot claim an education credit?
You cannot claim an Education Credit when:
- Someone else, such as your parents, list you as a dependent on their tax return
- Your filing status is married filing separately
- You already claimed or deducted another higher education benefit using the same student or same expenses (see Education Benefits: No Double Benefits Allowed for more information)
- You (or your spouse) were a non-resident alien for any part of the year and did not choose to be treated as a resident alien for tax purposes (find more information inPublication 519, U.S. Tax Guide for Aliens)
Compare the education credits
The education credits have some similarities but some very important differences. Find out which credit you qualify for, see our handy chart to compare the education credits.
- Find out more about the American Opportunity Tax Credit here
- Find out more about the Lifetime Learning Credit here
Use our interactive app
Our interactive app, “Am I Eligible to Claim and Education Credit?” helps you determine if you are eligible for education credits and deductions.
What should I do if I receive a letter from the IRS or I’m audited?
Taxpayer rights
You will benefit from knowing your rights as a taxpayer and being familiar with the IRS’s obligations to protect them. The goal of the Taxpayer Rights Corner is to inform you of your rights during every step of your interaction with the IRS.
Did you receive a letter?
You may have received the letter because the IRS did not receive a Form 1098-T, Tuition Statement, or the educational institution (college) did not prepare the Form 1098-T accurately. If the Form 1098-T is wrong or you never received it, contact the school to request a copy or corrected copy for that year.
Reply to any IRS correspondence to get the education credits you deserve. Find information on Understanding Your IRS Notice here. Find IRS notices listed by the number here.
Audit and examination process
IRS selects income tax returns for examination identified by computer programs showing a return has incorrect amounts. The examination may or may not result in a change to your tax or credits.
Use the following links for additional information:
Pub 3498-A, The Examination Process (Examinations by Mail) (PDF)
Pub 556, Examination of Returns, Appeal Rights, and Claims for Refund (PDF)
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