Client Name___________________________
 
**AMERICAN OPPORTUNITY TAX CREDIT DUE DILIGENCE**
The IRS is requiring tax preparers to request additional information from clients to ensure that they qualify for the American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC).   This questionnaire requires your completion and signature in order for you to claim the American Opportunity Tax Credit on your tax return. Please complete a separate questionnaire for each student eligible for the AOTC.
 
Name of Student __________________________________________                       Date of Birth ______________

  • Did the student receive a 1098-T from the education institution?    Yes / No    (if no, you probably can not take the credit – school should issue a 1098-T if they are eligible educational institution Check https://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/ to see if the school is accredited)
 
  • Is the student being claimed as a dependent on another taxpayer's return?    Yes / No
 
  • How many years have you (or your child) claimed an education credit, either the AOTC or the Hope Credit, for this student?  _______
 
  • Has the student received four years academic credit for postsecondary education before the beginning of current tax year?    Yes / No
 
  • How many academic terms did the student attend school during the tax year? ______
 
  • Is the student an undergraduate?    Yes /  No
 
  • For at least one academic period beginning during the tax year, was the student enrolled at least half-time in a program leading to a degree, certificate, or other recognized educational credential?    Yes /  No
 
  • As of the end of the tax year, does the student have a felony conviction for possessing or distributing a controlled substance?    Yes / No
 
  • Was a distribution from a Coverdell ESA or Qualified Tuition Program (529/QTP) used to pay any of the expenses?    Yes / No
 
  • Was a refund received for any educational expenses previously paid?    Yes / No
 
  • Amount of educational expenses that were actually paid for this year: (box 1 of 1098-T__________________)
 
        Tuition_________________________________  (reconcile with 1098-T)  Required books and supplies_____________________________
      Provide current tax year account statement from the educational institution, or other documentation as proof of payments and/or loans. (Room and board, transportation, or other
      expenses do not qualify for this credit)                         

  • What portion of the expenses were paid with tax exempt funds?  ______________
       (Note: Tax exempt funds include the tax-free parts of scholarships and fellowships, Pell grants, Employer-provided educational assistance, Veterans' educational
      assistance, any other nontaxable (tax-free) payments (other than gifts or inheritances) received as educational assistance)        

  • Who paid the education expenses? _____________________________________________________
 

  • Were any educational tax credits disallowed or reduced in a previous year?    Yes / No
 
  • Are you able to provide definitive proof with documentation for your educational expenses (and keep for 4 years)?     Yes / No

       Comments:_________________________________________________________________________________________
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        __________________________________________________________________________________________________
 
 
The statements above are true and correct to the best of my knowledge.
 
Your signature___________________________________          Date______________
 
Spouse signature_________________________________          Date______________
 
Internal Use:
Preparer signature_______________________________            Date reviewed______________ IP / PH / EM
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