American Opportunity Tax Credit

[Morning Star]

Hello All,

I'm trying to figure out whether ROTC and Service Academy Cadets are eligible for the American Opportunity Tax Credit. If this is true, cadets can be reimbursed for many of the things that they purchase using their cadet pay, such as text books, uniforms etc. I tried looking around for specific information about this tax credit for ROTC and service academy cadets, but I couldn't find anything. Thank you.

 

[Just_A_Mom]

This is *NOT* to be taken as professional tax advice. For that, contact a tax professional.

Service Academy cadets/mids are not eligible for the American Opportunity Tax Credit. (except for possibly the USMMA)
However, those who claim themselves (their parents don't claim them) may be elibible for the Making Work Pay credit.

ROTC cadets/Mids and/or their parents MIGHT be elibible for all or part of the American Opportunities Tax Credit.
For more information -
IRS Publication 970 http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p970.pdf

 

[Morning Star]

Hello Mom,

First off, thank you for responding. I took a look at what you provided but didn't find anything that could exclude cadets/mids. from claiming tax returns for textbooks and other educational materials bought with their own money. Did you find anything on that? Thank you.

 

[Just_A_Mom]

Morning Star - sorry this took me so long, I kinda forgot

For purposes of the American opportunity credit, qualified
education expenses are tuition and certain related expenses required for enrollment or attendance at an eligible educational institution.

Eligible educational institution. ​

any college, university, vocational school, or other postsecondary educational institution eligible to participate in a student aid program administered by the U.S. Department of Education.

The service academies are not eligible to participate in the student aid program administered by the Dept of Ed.

See IRS Publication 970
http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p970.pdf