It's that time of year again . . . back to school!  This is a good time to learn about tax benefits that can help offset qualifying education costs. Here is information about two tax credits available to those who pay higher education costs for themselves, a spouse or a dependent.

The American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC)

The AOTC is worth a maximum benefit up to $2,500 per eligible student. It is only available for the first four years at an eligible educational or vocational school for students pursuing a degree or other recognized education credential. Eligible taxpayers can get up to $1,000 of the credit as a refund, even if they do not owe any tax.

The Lifetime Learning Credit (LLC)

The LLC is worth up to $2,000 per tax return, per year, no matter how many students qualify, and is available for an unlimited number of tax years.  It is available for all years of postsecondary education and for courses to acquire or improve job skills.

What you need to know:

• A student is required to have Form 1098-T, Tuition Statement, to be eligible for an education benefit. They receive this form from the school attended.
• Taxpayers may use only qualified expenses paid to figure a tax credit. These include tuition and fees and other related expenses for an eligible student.
• Eligible educational schools are those that offer education beyond high school. This includes most colleges and universities.
• Taxpayers can’t claim either the AOTC or LLC for the same student or for the same expense in the same year.
• Taxpayers may only claim qualified expenses in the year paid.
• Taxpayers can’t claim either credit if someone else claims them as a dependent.
• Income limits could reduce the amount of credits.
• Taxpayers can’t claim either the AOTC or LLC for the same student or for the same expense in the same year.
• Taxpayers use IRS Form 8863, Education Credits, to claim these education credits.

The Interactive Tax Assistant tool on IRS.gov can help determine eligibility for certain educational credits including the American Opportunity Credit and the Lifetime Learning Credit.

See IRS Publication 970, Tax Benefits for Education, for details, rules, examples and a complete explanation of benefits.