The wording is hidden in one (1) help screen that reflects the gov't's statements and takes a bit of digging to see if a non-1098-T issuing accredited institution still qualifies. I.e., it is too easy for someone attending such an institution, whether using the HRB, TA or TT software online to be forced to determine whether said institution is actually accredited.
Can this form process be directed to take someone who says 'no' to receiving a 1098-T, to a series of questions that will actually help them see that their school is NOT on the list of eligible institutions?
I have a particular institution in mind where it is easy to just fill in the name, address, etc., and move merrily along the way, and never be any the wiser that you actually do not have permission to submit any credit for that school at all.
Generally speaking, any school that you can get student loans for to pay your tuition with is an accredited institution.
I have a particular institution in mind with this question. It is an accredited institution that has loans available to it, et cetera, but it does not qualify for financial aid from the government. Many students at this institution use Turbo Tax, and due to the way the questions line up, they mistakenly get credit for their attendance.
Simply stating up front that a qualified institution is one that is accredited AND is eligible for government financial aid would clarify completely for these students.
As it is, only there diligent will figure it out.