My spouse is a medical-school student and I am employed. Our tax status is married, filing jointly; our MAGI is $56,000; and we otherwise meet all the criteria for the Lifetime Learning Credit. Does the first $5000 we paid in medical-school tuition qualify under the Lifetime Learning Credit? Nothing on the IRS.gov web site cites medical- or law-school specifically as regards this issue, and I have come across what seem to be contradictory answers to the question elsewhere. Thank you kindly.

Yes, the amount paid during the year for medical school tuition definitely counts for the lifetime learning credit. According to the rules, the lifetime learning credit applies to undergraduate courses, graduate level courses, and nondegree courses as well. The one requirement that must be met is that the course be taken at an accredited college, university, or vocational school.



The lifetime learning credit is equal to 20% of the first $5,000 spent on tuition and required fees. So that means you'll save $1,000 in taxes this year. And for 2003, the credit will double to 20% of the first $10,000 spent on tuition and fees.



Not everyone is eligible for this credit. If you're single and your adjusted gross income exceeds $50,000, or married, and your combined adjusted gross income exceeds $100,000, you're not eligible for this tax credit. You might still be eligible for the new $3,000 tuition deduction, but that only applies to single individuals whose AGI is less than $65,000 or married couples whose AGI is less than $130,000.

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Replying to:

My spouse is a medical-school student and I am employed. Our tax status is married, filing jointly; our MAGI is $56,000; and we otherwise meet all the criteria for the Lifetime Learning Credit. Does the first $5000 we paid in medical-school tuition qualify under the Lifetime Learning Credit? Nothing on the IRS.gov web site cites medical- or law-school specifically as regards this issue, and I have come across what seem to be contradictory answers to the question elsewhere. Thank you kindly.

Zip Code: cpa@mdtaxes.com