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.
The time when a depreciable asset is ready to be used. The date fixes the beginning of the depreciation period.