1098-T Reporting

[LaurenKanning]

My 1098-T only reports what the university charged me for during 2025. This means that because I registered for Spring 2025 during the calendar year of 2024, that charge is not reported. The aid I received is listed for Spring 2025 and Fall 2025, but the charges are only listed for Fall 2025. Therefore, the difference between box 5 and box 1 is bigger than it should be.

By request, I received a more detailed report from the university's cashier with what I was charged for Spring 2025, even though that wasn't listed on the official 1098-T. Can I list the total on that form instead of the total on the 1098-T? Listing that second total would make box 1 more than box 5, and as far as I can see, it would be a more accurate reflection of the transactions.

[Hal_Al · Accepted solution]

Q. Can I list the total on that form instead of the total on the 1098-T? 

A. Yes.

The 1098-T is only an 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 possibly your student has taxable scholarship income. 

If you claim the tuition credit, you do need to report that you got one.

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 1. You will then be able to enter the actual amounts paid. You will also reach a screen that allows you to adjust the scholarship amount for "amounts not awarded for 2025 expenses".

Or if you find it easier, just change the numbers in boxes 1& 5 to what your records show. The 1098-T that you enter in TT is not sent to the IRS