College tuition paid last year and college starts the following year

[raheelajk]

My wife started college from January 06, 2018 and I paid her semester fee and purchased books in December 2017. What year should I report this on my tax? I read somewhere you report tuition fee or college expenses by IRS tax year and not by school/college education starting/ending years. Also, should I expect 1098-T arriving in first quarter of 2018 or 2019?

Can anyone guide me? 

Thanks,

[MinhT · Accepted solution]

Some colleges bill the 2018 Spring semester in 2017 and issue a form 1098-T for 2017. If you paid that tuition in 2017, you can count it as qualified education expenses in 2017 to claim your education credits such as the American Opportunity credit and the Lifetime Learning credit.

[raheelajk]

Thank you!!! It was helpful.