Tax credits help offset higher education costs

Taxpayers who pay for higher education in 2018 can see tax savings when they file their tax returns. If taxpayers, their spouses or their dependents take post-high school coursework, they may be eligible for a tax benefit.

There are two credits available to help taxpayers offset the costs of higher education. The American opportunity credit and the lifetime learning credit may reduce the amount of income tax owed. Taxpayers use Form 8863, Education Credits, to claim the credits.

The American opportunity credit is:

Worth a maximum benefit up to $2,500 per eligible student
Only for the first four years at an eligible college or vocational school
For students pursuing a degree or other recognized education credential
Partially refundable. This means if the credit brings the amount of tax owed to zero, 40 percent of any remaining amount of the credit, up to $1,000, is refundable.

The lifetime learning credit is:

Worth a maximum benefit up to $2,000 per tax return, per year, no matter how many students qualify
Available for all years of postsecondary education and for courses to acquire or improve job skills
Available for an unlimited number of tax years

To be eligible to claim the American opportunity credit, or the lifetime learning credit, the law requires a taxpayer or a dependent to have received a Form 1098-T from an eligible educational institution.

More Information:
Tax Benefits for Education: Information Center
Education Credits – AOTC and LLC
American Opportunity Tax Credit: Questions and Answers
Pub 970, Tax Benefits for Education

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Tax credits help offset higher education costs

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