Lifetime learning credit

[2023taxer]

I was told the lifetime learning credit was not refundable but I received a refund back which I’m pretty sure included the credit. Is this an error on TurboTax end? What do I do? 

[leeloo]

The credit is non-refundable, but that does not mean it doesn't contribute to you getting a bigger refund. It eliminates a portion or all of your tax. You get back extra withholding. 

Check out lines 27-29 to see if there are any entries.

27 Earned income credit (EIC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
28 Additional child tax credit from Schedule 8812 . . . . . . . . 28
29 American opportunity credit from Form 8863, line 8 . . . . . . . 29

[2023taxer]

Hi! Thank you for your response. I don’t see any entries on those lines. Do you know if turbo tax offers a Service that has someone explain your returns to you?

[leeloo]

No, but you can always do a little research yourself. It's a good idea to be able to read your own return. Since it could change from year to year, you want to understand for the future and not just today. 

Pub 17 is a great beginning as it tells you everything, line by line.

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p17.pdf

No entries on those lines means you have no refundable credits.

[2023taxer]

Okay thank you.