Livetime learning Credit and the OBBB

Forum|Forum|1 year ago
August 6, 2025
2 replies
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What changes were made to the Lifetime learning Credit? Is there a limit to the number of years it can be claimed while student is in post graduate program?

Ask the Experts - Beautiful - Aug 2025

mbpeddie

Level 5

Great Question!

Yes the One Big Beautiful Bill did affect the Education credits, including the Lifetime Learning Credit. A Taxpayers claiming the credit now must have a social security number.

It can be claimed for more than 4 years. It is the American Opportunity Credit that can only be claimed for 4 years post secondary.

Here is a link with more information on the Lifetime Learning Credit:

https://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tips/college-and-education/what-is-the-lifetime-learning-tax-credit/L7jQozNpZ

Mary, tax expert

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SusanR2

Level 4

In short, yes!

Under the One Big Beautiful Bill, the new $6,000 senior tax deduction (or $12,000 for a married couple where both spouses qualify) is in addition to the standard deduction and the existing additional standard deduction for seniors.

So a senior who qualifies for this new deduction, gets to add it on top of the standard deduction amount for their filing status, and any existing additional deductions for age or blindness. For a married couple who file jointly and are 65 or older, you'd get $12,000 over the standard deduction plus additional standard deduction for age or blindness if applicable.

This new $6,000 (or $12,000 for MFJ) deduction is available for tax years 2025 through 2028.

The deduction phases out for taxpayers with modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) over $75,000 for single filers ($150,000 for married couples filing jointly). You need to be 65 on or before the last day of the tax year and have valid social security numbers listed on the return. If you were to itemize deductions, you'd still get the new senior deduction as well - assuming the other qualifications are met.

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