1098 T

[gio0000249]

I recieved my 1098 T. I paid almost $800 more than what it claims. What do i need to do to

[KrisD15]

Compare your school statement to the 1098-T

Payments and billing for the school year often cross the calendar year. 

You need to report what YOU paid in 2024. 

What you paid in 2024 must be for classes that took place in 2024 AS WELL AS any classes that you paid in 2025 that started in Jan, Feb, or March of 2025. 

Form 1098-T only reports Tuition and Fees paid directly to the school. After that is entered, you may also add expenses for book and supplies not paid to the school, on the following screens.

If you have proof that you paid TO THE SCHOOL more in 2024 than what the school reported in Box 1, use the "What if this is not what I paid?" link under Box 1 on the 1098-T enter screen and enter the full amount. 

Remember that if you need to adjust Box 1 this year, you may need to adjust it the other way next year, or you may need to make sure you didn't claim expenses LAST year that you are claiming this year. 

Pub 970

[Hal_Al]

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 or that you qualify for an exception (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 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 2024 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.