2025 college tax credit estimator

Education Credit Comparison Calculator

Estimate whether the American Opportunity Tax Credit or Lifetime Learning Credit gives the better 2025 tax result.

Best estimated choiceAmerican Opportunity Tax CreditAOTC $2,500 / LLC $800

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Comparison

American Opportunity Tax Credit

$2,500Eligible by selected facts$2,500 before tax-liability limits

Lifetime Learning Credit

$800Eligible by selected facts$800 non-refundable credit
MAGI phaseout factor100%
AOTC qualified expenses$4,650
LLC qualified expenses$4,000
Estimated refundable AOTC portion$1,000
American Opportunity Tax CreditUse the same student and expenses for only one education credit on the return.