How do I know if my education qualifies for the Lifetime Learning Credit?

[_Love_]

I am taking courses online at a professional institute (Appraisal Institute) so that I can apply for a state license.  I will be starting a new career.  Do I qualify for the Lifetime Learning Credit?  I pay for the online classes, books, and professional membership fees.

Thank you .

[MaryK4]

You must attend an eligible educational institution.  From the IRS:

"An eligible educational institution is a school offering higher education beyond high school. It is any college, university, trade school, or other post secondary educational institution eligible to participate in a student aid program run by the U.S. Department of Education.

This includes most accredited public, nonprofit and privately-owned–for-profit postsecondary institutions.

If you aren’t sure if your school is an eligible educational institution:

• Check to see if the student received a Form 1098-T, Tuition Statement. Eligible educational institutions are required to issue students Form 1098-T, Tuition Statement (some exceptions apply).
• Ask your school if it is an eligible educational institution, or
• See if your school is on the U.S. Department of Education’s Database of Accredited Post Secondary Institutions and Programs (DAPIP) or the Federal Student Loan Program list."

 

[Hal_Al]

If your school is only an online school (no classrooms), it is most likely not an eligible institution.