Do I need to file 1098-T for a graduate student?

[chouhj]

I am a PhD student on F1 visa and considered as a resident alien for tax purpose. I received stipend, which appears in Box 1 of my W-2 and the amount is high enough to be reported. I also received form 1098-T: ~$400 in Box 2 and ~$3000 in Box 5. The amount in Box 5 is equal to my tuitions and fees, and was paid by my graduate department and considered as scholarship. I never paid any penny to the school nor really received the scholarship. Also, I am not sure if any portion in Box 5 of 1098-T is included in Box 1 of W-2. Should I report 1098-T? Am I qualified for Lifetime Learning Credit? Thanks!

[KrisD · Accepted solution]

It depends on what the 1098-T reports. The best advice is to enter Form 1098-T into the Turbotax program, as well as all your tax documents.The program will inform you if you are eligible for any credits and/or if you need to claim any tax-free assistance as taxable income..

If you did not pay out-of-pocket for any education expenses, you would not be eligible for any education credits.

The amount reported in Box 1 of your W-2 is NOT reported or included in Box 5 of your 1098-T.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/replies/4194409

[chouhj]

"If the student on the 1098-T is you, ... enter the 1098-T on your return unless your employer paid for or reimbursed your tuition (in which case, just keep the 1098-T with your tax records)." --> I am the student on the 1098-T, and my employer paid for all my tuition and fees. So... I think I don't need to report it, right?

[KrisD]

Right, technically the form is informational. If you have more education expenses that assistance, you apply for a credit. If you have more assistance, you may need to report that as taxable income. If it is a wash, you do not need to report it.