Detailed Summary

Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to replace the hope scholarship and lifetime learning tax credits with a higher education opportunity tax credit.

Allows a higher education opportunity tax credit for the lesser of: (1) the sum of 100% of qualified tuition and related expenses (including a certain allowance for books) up to $2,000, 50% for such expenses between $2,000 and $4,000, and 25% of such expenses between $4,000 and $8,000; or (2) the excess (if any) of $16,000 over aggregate credits from prior taxable years. Reduces credit amounts for taxpayers with modified adjusted gross incomes over $70,000 ($140,000 in the case of a joint return).

Limits such credit to three eligible students per taxpayer in any taxable year.

Denies such tax credit to certain part time students and students convicted of a felony drug offense.

Repeals the tax deduction for qualified tuition and related expenses.

Status of the Legislation

Latest Major Action: 1/14/2009: Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.

Points in Favor

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Points Against

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