Hi,

I'm returning to school in Spring 2015 and will be enrolled in a degree-granting program. I have not been in school since around 2011. In November, I am ordering books and other course materials. Can I claim the American Opportunity Tax Credit for tax year 2014 based on these expenses for spring 2015?

yes;amounts paid in 2014 for an academic period that begin before Apr 1 2015, are eligible expenses for 2014.The AOC is available for the year in which the qualified edu expenses are paid.qualified edu expenses for AOC are;books, supplies, and eqmt needed for course of study whether or not the materials are purchased from the edu institution.