Can I file without my 1098-T info, and just add that in later?

[mamasongflower]

I'm a single mother of four and attended college January through May of last year. I worked full time the rest of the year. I'd like to file my taxes as soon as possible, is it necessary to wait for the 1098-T, or can I add that in later?

[AliS · Accepted solution]

Yes, you CAN file your tax return without the 1098-T information.  However, it may not be in your best interest to do so.  Entering in the 1098-T data will enable you to find out if you qualify for certain higher education credits (ex: American Opportunity Tax Credit and the Lifetime Learning Credit).  If you qualify for these credits, it could positively impact your tax return and your refund.

If you do choose to file your tax return without the 1098-T information, you would then want to consider amending the return later in order to try to capture the benefits of the higher education credits. 

The best course of action is to wait until all of your tax forms are ready and then file your tax return then.  You can get started with your TurboTax interview today and then choose to “Save and Sign Out”.  When your 1098-T is ready, you can sign back in to your TurboTax account and finish and e-file your tax return.

If you’d like to learn more about the 1098-T form,  tax deductions and credits available to families, please refer to the links provided below.

https://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tools/tax-tips/IRS-Tax-Forms/Guide-to-Tax-Form-1098-T--Tuition-State...

https://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tools/tax-tips/Tax-Deductions-and-Credits/The-5-Biggest-Tax-Credits-...

[Carl]

Old post.