1098T, College Reporting Exception

Colleges are required to report the 1098T for each student with a few exceptions, one being for "Students whose qualified tuition and related expenses are entirely waived or paid entirely with scholarships; " according to the 2019 guide for the 1098E and 1098T forms. My college reported one for me even though they didn't have to, as I met the above condition. My question is does that apply to me as well? If I am forced to file a 1098T the part of my need-based full ride that doesn't go towards qualified expenses will be treated as income and I will have to take out student loans to pay the taxes on it as my financial aid is need-based for a reason. I can voluntarily not-file since my total earned income was less than 10K, but I would much rather file the 1040 but not the 1098T through this exception. Does it apply to me as the student?

posted

Sorry ... you do not have a choice ... any scholarship amounts in excess of the tuition and required fees plus books is considered taxable income ... you MUST enter the 1098-T, excluding it is not an option.