American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC) and Lifetime Learning Credit (LLC): You cannot claim both credits for the same student in the same tax year. Additionally, each credit must be based on separate qualified expenses; the same expense cannot be used to claim both credits.
Education Credits and 529 Plan Withdrawals: Expenses paid with tax-free distributions from a 529 plan cannot be used to claim the AOTC or LLC. To maximize benefits, consider allocating $4,000 of qualified expenses to the AOTC (since it offers a maximum credit of $2,500) and using 529 plan funds for other expenses.
Student Loan Interest Deduction: You cannot deduct interest paid on student loans if that interest was paid with tax-free educational assistance, such as employer-provided educational assistance or tax-free scholarships.
By carefully coordinating your education expenses and understanding these rules, you can maximize your tax benefits while remaining compliant with IRS regulations.