What is the maximum amount a taxpayer can claim for the American Opportunity Credit (AOC) from their qualified education expenses?

The American Opportunity Credit (AOC) allows eligible students to claim a tax credit for qualified education expenses incurred during the first four years of higher education. The maximum amount a taxpayer can claim through this credit is specifically structured to provide substantial financial assistance.

The correct answer is that taxpayers can claim 100% of the first $2,000 of qualified education expenses. Additionally, they can claim 25% of the next $2,000, leading to a total maximum credit of $2,500 per eligible student. This means the credit is designed to cover a portion of the costs that students incur for higher education, thereby encouraging educational attainment.

This structure incentivizes students to invest in their education by providing significant tax relief, especially when most students face substantial expenses during their college years. Thus, option B accurately reflects the initial credit rate for the first $2,000 of qualified expenses under the AOC.