IRS Form 1098-T, Tuition Statement

About IRS Form 1098-T

Form 1098-T is an information return that eligible educational institutions file to report qualified tuition and related expenses. Students and families use it to help figure education tax benefits such as the American Opportunity Credit and the Lifetime Learning Credit.

The form generally reports payments received for qualified tuition and related expenses, along with scholarships or grants administered by the school. It also indicates whether the student was enrolled at least half-time and whether the student was a graduate student.

The amounts on Form 1098-T are a starting point, not a final figure for a credit. You may need to adjust for scholarships, the timing of payments, and expenses not billed by the school, so follow the official instructions and Publication 970.

Who needs to complete it

• Students who paid qualified tuition and related expenses during the year.
• Parents claiming a dependent student for an education credit.
• Eligible colleges and universities that must report tuition information.
• Taxpayers determining eligibility for the American Opportunity or Lifetime Learning Credit.

How to fill out IRS Form 1098-T

1. 1Enter the educational institution's (filer's) name, address, and taxpayer identification number.
2. 2Enter the student's name, address, and taxpayer identification number.
3. 3Report payments received for qualified tuition and related expenses.
4. 4Report scholarships or grants administered and processed by the institution.
5. 5Indicate whether amounts relate to an academic period beginning in the next year.
6. 6Check the box if the student was enrolled at least half-time during the year.
7. 7Check the box if the student was a graduate student.
8. 8Follow the official line-by-line instructions to complete remaining boxes before filing.