If I have claimed the AOTC for four calendar years and was finishing the four year degree in the fifth calendar year, why am I not qualifying for the Lifetime Learning Credit? It seems as though it isn't counting tuition, but it looks like it's automatically inserted. I buy most books outside of my institution, am required to have internet at a certain speed, must have a detachable web cam, and need a PC for the online degree. Why are none of these expenses helping me get my educational credit?
None of those expenses ( books outside of my institution, internet at a certain speed, detachable web cam, and a PC ) qualify for the Lifetime Learning Credit (LLC). The only course materials that count are those include in the course fees.
Furthermore, the LLC, unlike the AOTC, does not have a refundable portion. The LLC can only be used against an actual tac liability.
which says, in part:
LLC Qualified expenses: Tuition and fees required for enrollment or attendance