Why am I not receiving the Lifetime learning credit? How long do I need to be a taxpayer (have a job) to be eligible in the year?

[deloraby]

I received the American opportunity credit for 4 years on undergrad. Im currently in grad school full time and thought I should be eligible for the lifetime learning credit.

[Hal_Al]

The  Lifetime learning credit (LLC) is non refundable. It can only be used to reduce an actual tax liability. So, the simple answer to your question is: most people don't start paying tax until they have $13,850 of income.