What is the maximum Lifetime Learning Credit a taxpayer may claim?

The credit is equal to 20 percent of the taxpayer’s out-of-pocket expenses for qualified tuition and related expenses of all eligible family members, up to a maximum of $5,000 in expenses annually through 2002. Thus, the maximum Lifetime Learning Credit a taxpayer may claim through 2002 is $1,000. After 2002, the credit is equal to 20 percent of the taxpayer’s out-of-pocket expenses up to a maximum of $10,000 in expenses. Thus, the maximum Lifetime Learning Credit a taxpayer may claim after 2002 is $2,000. The maximum credit does not change even if the taxpayer is claiming a credit for the expenses of more than one student in the family.