topic Lifetime learning credit in After you file

Lifetime learning credit

2023taxer — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 13:02:40 GMT

I was told the lifetime learning credit was not refundable but I received a refund back which I’m pretty sure included the credit. Is this an error on TurboTax end? What do I do?

Re: Lifetime learning credit

leeloo — Wed, 08 Feb 2023 15:00:58 GMT

The credit is non-refundable, but that does not mean it doesn't contribute to you getting a bigger refund. It eliminates a portion or all of your tax. You get back extra withholding.

Check out lines 27-29 to see if there are any entries.

27 Earned income credit (EIC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
28 Additional child tax credit from Schedule 8812 . . . . . . . . 28
29 American opportunity credit from Form 8863, line 8 . . . . . . . 29

Re: Lifetime learning credit

2023taxer — Wed, 08 Feb 2023 15:15:33 GMT

Hi! Thank you for your response. I don’t see any entries on those lines. Do you know if turbo tax offers a Service that has someone explain your returns to you?

Re: Lifetime learning credit

leeloo — Wed, 08 Feb 2023 15:36:59 GMT

No, but you can always do a little research yourself. It's a good idea to be able to read your own return. Since it could change from year to year, you want to understand for the future and not just today.

Pub 17 is a great beginning as it tells you everything, line by line.

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p17.pdf

No entries on those lines means you have no refundable credits.

Re: Lifetime learning credit

2023taxer — Wed, 08 Feb 2023 15:39:38 GMT

Okay thank you.