Adding my 1098-T to my taxes makes me owe to federal taxes?

[giw224]

Hello! I need help understanding on what to do! I’m trying to amend my taxes for 2024 because I forgot to add my 1098-T form, but when I went to add it, it shows that I owe 189 dollars to federal taxes; is this right? Box 1 is greater than box 5 (by 1,841.99). I see that some people don’t add the 1098-T form on their taxes if they don’t quality for tax credit (which I’m not). But then I see some different opinions when it comes to box 1 and box 5. Please help me! Obviously I don’t mind paying what I owe, but do I really need to show my 1098T form? Or do I need to now cause of me owing back?

[AmyC]

Box 1 is greater than box 5, that means qualified expenses. Since you don't qualify for the education credit, there is no benefit to adding the form. If box 5 was larger, then you would have some taxable income.

The 1098-T is an information form, not a tax form and isn't required to be added without value.

[giw224]

But since box 5 is greater than box 1, do I need to add the form to my taxes or don’t add it?

[AmyC]

Any income not used on qualified expenses, is taxable.

You said box 1 greater than box 5 with a number in parentheses so I missed the income part.

Let's try with box 5 bigger than box 1. Yes, if the money was not spent on Qualified Education Expenses - Internal Revenue Service, then it becomes taxable income. Good catch and great question!

[giw224]

Oh you are right, my apologies! I meant box 5 being greater! But thank you so much for answering my question!!