Dependent 1098-T

[Caballo]

Hi.  My son who I claim as a dependent, received a 1098-T in his name.  Given that I paid for his tuition, can I claim that 1098-T on my tax form even though the 1098-T shows his name?

Thank you

[xmasbaby0 · Accepted solution]

Yes.   The person who can claim the dependent is the one who can get the education credit.  Dependents cannot get education credits.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1901172-what-are-education-tax-credits

[Caballo]

Thank you.  So even though the 1098-T is in his name, I can still claim it on my tax return?

[Hal_Al · Accepted solution]

Q. So even though the 1098-T is in his name, I can still claim it on my tax return?

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 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 2023 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.