The lifetime learning credit is a tax credit that may be available to you if you pay higher education costs. You may be able to claim a lifetime learning credit for qualified tuition and related expenses paid for all students enrolled in eligible educational institutions. There is no limit on the number of years for which the lifetime learning credit can be claimed for each student.

For purposes of the lifetime learning credit, an eligible student is a student defined as a student enrolled in one or more courses at an eligible educational institution.

Generally, the credit is allowed for tuition and fees required for enrollment or attendance at an eligible educational institution. These tuition and fees generally should have been paid in the current tax year for an academic period beginning in the current tax year or in the first three (3) months following the current tax year.

For additional information on the lifetime learning credit, please refer to:

IRS Publication 970 - Tax Benefits for Higher Education (link opens new browser window)

IRS Taxpayer Help and Education – Frequently Asked Tax Questions and Answers (link opens new browser window)

This information is not intended as legal or tax advice. Individuals should obtain IRS Publication 970, Tax Benefits for Higher Education, or contact a tax advisor about personal income tax situations.