In this tax tutorial, you will learn about two tax credits taxpayers may claim for themselves or their dependents, for higher education.

• American Opportunity Credit (previously known as the Hope Credit)
• Lifetime Learning Credit

Form 8863, Education Credits, is used to determine eligibility and figure each credit.

Students receive Form 1098-T, Tuition Statement, from eligible educational institutions, which identify tuition and any related expenses paid to the educational institution, and/or reimbursements or refunds.

Taxpayers can choose the credit that will give them the lower tax; but they cannot claim both credits for the same expenses.

Taxpayers who are eligible to claim the American Opportunity Credit and the Lifetime Learning Credit for the same student in the same year, can choose to claim either credit, but not both.