Get up to $2,500 in Education Tax Credits!

[Lauren Massie, Tax Specialist]

There are two federal tax credits available to help you offset the costs of higher education for yourself or your dependents. These are the American Opportunity Credit and the Lifetime Learning Credit. To qualify for either credit, you must pay postsecondary tuition and fees for yourself, your spouse or your dependent. The credit may be claimed by the parent or the student, but not by both. See below for highlights of each.

The American Opportunity Credit

• The credit can be up to $2,500 per eligible student.
• It is available for the first four years of post-secondary education.
• Forty percent of the credit is refundable, which means that you may be able to receive up to $1,000, even if you owe no taxes.
• The student must be pursuing an undergraduate degree or other recognized educational credential.
• The student must be enrolled at least half time for at least one academic period.
• Qualified expenses include tuition and fees, coursed related books supplies and equipment.
• The full credit is generally available to eligible taxpayers who make less than $80,000 or $160,000 for married couples filing a joint return.

Lifetime Learning Credit

• The credit can be up to $2,000 per eligible student.
• It is available for all years of postsecondary education and for courses to acquire or improve job skills.
• The maximum credited is limited to the amount of tax you must pay on your return.
• The student does not need to be pursuing a degree or other recognized education credential.
• Qualified expenses include tuition and fees, course related books, supplies and equipment.
• The full credit is generally available to eligible taxpayers who make less than $60,000 or $120,000 for married couples filing a joint return.

Simply Taxes, LLC is a local year-round tax preparation firm with an office located in North Raleigh. Our Raleigh accountants are ready to work one-on-one with you to help optimize your taxes and to provide other tax services in a professional manner.

The information contained within this article is for general guidance only. As such, it should not be used as a substitute for consulting with professional accounting, tax, legal or other competent advisers.

[Yoga w/ Olga]

Thank you! Very helpful. I will pass this on to my contacts at my childrens' high schools!

[Lauren Massie, Tax Specialist]

Hi Olga! I just want to point out that these credits for postsecondary schools (i.e., colleges and universities, etc.). :)

[Yoga w/ Olga]

Yes, I'm sending for people who will have their kids in college within the next few years. Is that appropriate?