Yes, that is correct. For the American Opportunity Tax Credit, to get the full credit, you have to have a tax liability. There isn't necessarily a lower limit, but there is an upper limit. If you make more than $90,000 as a single taxpayer, you are not eligible for the credit at all. If you make less than that, your eligibility for the FULL credit is limited based on your tax liability. So, even if you make $50,000, but have other tax credits that lowered your tax liability, you may not be able to claim the non-refundable portion, but you can still claim the refundable portion of up to $1,000. It is the same way if you made $10,000 for the year and have no tax liability, you would be eligible only for the $1,000 not for the full $2,500.
If you are looking at the lifetime learning credit, then, you must have a tax liability to claim this credit as it is a totally non-refundable credit. So, if you make too little that you do not have a tax liability, then you would not be eligible to claim this credit.
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