The American opportunity and lifetime learning credits apply only for qualified expenses required for an enrollment at an “eligible education institution.” This is a school eligible to participate in a student aid program administered by the U.S. Department of Education, which means virtually all accredited postsecondary institutions in the U.S. Educational institutions located outside the United States that are eligible to participate in a student aid program administered by the U.S. Department of Education may qualify, so check with the school through which you took the courses.
A retirement account to which up to $4,000 (or $5,000 if you are 50 or over) may be contributed for 2007, but deductions for the contribution are restricted if you are covered by a company retirement plan. Earnings accumulate tax free.