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New Member
posted Feb 16, 2025 2:34:06 PM

Lifetime Learning Credit

I am a fulltime graduate student who is employed as teaching assistant. I received a W2 and had taxable income. When I go to the student section, it says I am not eligible to receive an education tax credit but only mentions the American Opportunity and not the Lifetime Learning Credit. I should be eligible for it.

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3 Replies
Expert Alumni
Feb 16, 2025 3:04:42 PM

To clarify, did you enter education expenses and go through the entire education interview?

Also, do you have a tax liability? The Lifetime Learning Credit would not be an option unless you had tax liability to which the credit could be applied.  

Level 15
Feb 16, 2025 3:06:14 PM

You cannot get the American Opportunity Tax Credit if you are a grad student, but you might get the Lifetime Learning Credit.   However, the LLC is NON-refundable.   It can only be used to reduce your tax liability.   If you do not have a tax liability, the credit does not do anything for you.

 

LIFETIME LEARNING CREDIT

https://ttlc.intuit.com/turbotax-support/en-us/help-article/tax-credits-deductions/expenses-qualify-lifetime-learning-credit/L7cpyQLrJ_US_en_US?uid=m6eg46im

 

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/credits-and-deductions/help/what-expenses-qualify-for-the-lifetime-learning-credit/00/26844

 

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/3262984-who-is-eligible-for-the-lifetime-learning-credit

 

Level 15
Feb 16, 2025 3:39:31 PM

You received a W2 and had taxable income. But if that income was less than $14,600, you do not have a tax liability to offset with the LLC.