| Criteria | AOTC | LLC | Tuition and Fees Deduction**view IRS.gov to verify extension to 2021 (if not extended this deduction is not available)** |
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Maximum credit or benefit
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Up to $2,500 credit per eligible student
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Up to $2,000 credit per return
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This deduction is based on adjusted qualified education expenses paid to an eligible educational institution (postsecondary)
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Refundable or nonrefundable
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40% of credit
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Not refundable-credit limited to the amount of tax you must pay on your taxable income
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Non-refundable- is a deduction from income
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Limit on MAGI* for married filing jointly
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$180,000 |
$180,000 |
$160,000 |
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Limit on MAGI* for single, head of household, or qualifying widow(er)
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$90,000 |
$90,000 |
$80,000 |
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Can you file married filing separately?
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No |
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Dependent status
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Cannot claim credit if you are claimed as a dependent on someone else's return |
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Must you or your spouse be a U.S. Citizen or Resident Alien?
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Yes, unless nonresident alien is treated as resident alien for tax purposes (see Publication 519 for information on nonresident alien status)
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Number of years of post-secondary education available
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Only if student hasn't completed 4 years of postsecondary education before 2021
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All years of postsecondary education and for courses to acquire or improve job skills
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All years of postsecondary education and for courses to acquire or improve job skills
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Number of tax years credit available
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4 tax years per eligible student (including any years former Hope credit claimed)
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Unlimited
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Type of program required
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Student must be pursuing a degree or other recognized education credential
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Student does not need to be pursuing a degree or other recognized education credential
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This deduction is based on adjusted qualified education expenses paid to an eligible educational institution (postsecondary)
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Number of courses
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Student must be enrolled at least half time for at least one academic period beginning in 2021
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Available for one or more courses |
Available for one or more courses |
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Felony drug conviction
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No felony drug convictions as of the end of 2021
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Does not apply
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Qualified expenses
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Tuition, required enrollment fees and course materials needed for course of study
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Tuition and fees required for enrollment or attendance
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Generally, qualified education expenses are amounts paid in the current year for tuition and fees required for the student’s enrollment or attendance at an eligible educational institution. Required fees include amounts for books, supplies, and equipment used in a course of study if required to be paid to the institution as a condition of enrollment or attendance.
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| Whom can you claim the benefit for? |
- You
- Your spouse
- Student you claim as a dependent on your return
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- You
- Your spouse
- Student you claim as a dependent on your return
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| Who must pay the qualified expenses? |
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Payments for academic periods
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Made in 2020 for academic periods beginning in 2020 or the first 3 months of 2021
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