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Education & Employment

American Opportunity Tax Credit

Benefit overview

The American Opportunity Tax Credit is a credit for qualified education expenses. It is paid for eligible students for the first four years of higher education. You can get a maximum annual credit of $2,500 per eligible student.

Learn About AOTC

How this benefit helps

This benefit helps eligible students by helping to offset the costs of postsecondary education for students or their parents.

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Use the credit to get money back

If you are eligible, you can use this tax credit to get money back when you do your taxes.

How to access this benefit

To claim the credit, complete Form 8863 and attach it to your federal tax return. Installation Financial Readiness offices can assist you with your tax forms. Find your nearest Military and Family Support Center through MilitaryINSTALLATIONS.

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