2009 Stimulus Act Helps Pay For College!
August 25th, 2010Usually, when one thinks of the 2009 stimulus act, they think of how it bailed out banks and the car industry. What they don’t realize is there was actually something written in it to reward going for advancing one’s education. A piece was added that made it possible to get a tax refund for going to college, and that refund can come to thousands of dollars. Those who are attending on campus schools, as well as taking an online college course or several, can benefit.
This new provision is the American Opportunity Credit, an expansion and renaming of what was previously the Hope Credit. It can even be used in this April’s income tax filing. Determining if and how you fit in under this benefit is imporant for every student. If you are interested in getting more information about online accredited degrees research the internet.
According to the IRS, there are some significant differences between the Hope and Opportunity credits. The Opportunity Credit is open to a lot more applicants (or their parents). While it is currently only good for 2009 and 2010, it can be used not only against tuitions and fees, but also college-related expenses such as text books and related items. It can even be applied to people who already get a tax refund, none of which the Hope could.
The full credit is available to individuals whose modified adjusted gross income is $80,000 or less, or $160,000 or less for married couples filing a joint return. These income limits are higher than under the previous Hope Credits. Because this is a tax credit, it does not mean you get the money before you pay your tuition. In simple English, if you started college last year or start this year, you can either file for it this April or next, respectively.
|How the actual credit works is that one is entitled to a 100% refund for the first $2,000 in tuition, fees and/or costs related to going for a degree. After that first $2,000, one is entitled to an additional 25% refunded up to the next $2,000. So, for example, if the costs are $6,000; one gets a 100% refund for the first $2000, 25% of the next $2,000 (or $500) and nothing for the last $2,000. $2,000 plus $500 and $0 equals a $2,500 credit when filing the following April. For any additional information about online college degree check the internet.
If there’s one thing the IRS is serious about though, it’s to be careful with what one claims as “cost related”. For example, just buying a computer does not make it worthy of a refund. On the other hand, if the school requires a new laptop for its curriculum, it can be claimed.
Another interesting thing that’s different from the Hope is the Opportunity could turn into a refund. This could happen even if the filer is will get a tax refund without the credit. The difference is the cap is a bit tighter. The maximum refund is only $1,000 instead of the full $2,500. For an abundance of information about grants for college check out the web.
It should be noted the Opportunity credit is good for only the first two years. For those planning their third year or more, one has to apply for a Lifetime Learning credit. Also, while the Opportunity credit is currently only good for the 2009 and 2010 returns, there is talk it might be extended further. For more information, check with a tax expert, a financial aid officer or go to the IRS website and look up American Opportunity Credit.
In addition to convenience, those who take an online college course often do so for financial reasons. Exploring this tax credit, which comes after an outlay of funds, as well as online grant, scholarship, and loan options is a good way to maximize and facilitate your learning.