Can we change the 1098-T statement?

[RBBrittain]

Why? Generally you do NOT change the information on an information return you received. If you need to report different numbers for tuition and/or scholarships, there are ways to do that without changing the 1098-T itself.

[Hal_Al · Accepted solution]

Yes. And that's usually the easiest workaround in correctly claiming education expenses.

The 1098-T is only any informational document. The numbers on it are not required to be entered onto your tax return. However receipt of a 1098-T frequently means you are either eligible for a tuition credit or deduction or possibly your student has taxable scholarship income. 

If you claim the tuition credit, you do need to report that you got one (the TurboTax interview will handle this)

You claim the tuition credit, or report scholarship income, based on your own financial records, not the 1098-T. In the 1098-T screen, click on the link "What if this is not what I paid the school" underneath box 2. You will then be able to enter the actual amounts paid. 

[RBBrittain]

One addition: Tuition credits generally require you to have *received* a 1098-T, so you should enter it if you have one. However, you can effectively "correct" the amounts on the 1098-T as Hal_Al described.