Question

Angie is a single parent filing as head of household with an AGI of $95,000 (before any education expenses) who has a dependent son, age 22. She has no other dependents and will take the standard deduction. She paid $7,000 of qualified tuition for her son who is a full-time graduate student. Generally, what is the most advantageous treatment of her tuition expense? American opportunity credit or lifetime learning credit

Answer 1

The American Opportunity Credit is the most advantageous treatment of her tuition expenses because of the following points:

It offer a maximum credit of $2,500 per eligible student, $500 more than Lifetime learning credit.

It is also 40% refundable / 60% nonrefundable .

It is available for four years, enough for Angie's son to complete the credits.

The son is a full time student, so he fits into the program.