Four quick questions
Private. Your answers stay on this screen and aren’t saved.
Were you in college last year, at least half time for one term?
Undergraduate, in your first four years of college.
Did you (or your family) pay tuition, fees, or required books and supplies?
Even if loans paid it, that can count. Grants and scholarships that paid it don't.
Does a parent or someone else claim you as a dependent on their taxes?
If you're not sure, ask them. It changes who claims the credit.
Did you work and earn money last year?
A job, gig work, or self-employment.
Answer all four to see what to look into.
Form 1098-T, in one card
Your college sends you a 1098-T early in the year (often in your student portal, not the mail). It shows what you paid in tuition and fees and the grants and scholarships you got. It’s what you or your parent need to claim the AOTC.
- Find it. Look in your student portal under Student Accounts or Tax Forms, usually by the end of January.
- Give it to whoever files. You, if no one claims you. Your parent, if they claim you.
- Keep your receipts. Required books and supplies can count even if they’re not on the form.
File for free
You don’t need to pay anyone to file a simple return. These are free.
- IRS VITA and TCE sites. Free help in person from IRS-certified volunteers, for people with low to moderate income. Many are on or near campuses.
- GetYourRefund. Free filing online with IRS-certified volunteers, from Code for America.
- IRS Free File. Do your own federal taxes for free online, if your income is under the limit.
Two warnings. Never pay a fee for a “refund advance”; it takes a cut of money that’s already yours. And never give your FSA ID, your Social Security number or your IRS login to a stranger who calls, texts or messages you.
Tax rules change every year. Confirm the amounts and rules for your year on irs.gov. General information, not tax advice.