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posted Jun 4, 2019 11:12:49 PM

How do I report educational expenses and scholarship while I'm studying at a foreign university

What documents do I need to submit since a 1098-T is not issued by the university?

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1 Best answer
Level 15
Jun 4, 2019 11:12:51 PM

Only education at an "eligible institution" qualifies for a tax credit or deduction. 

The school should be able to tell you if it is an eligible educational institution. In general, an eligible educational institution is an accredited college, university, vocational school, or other postsecondary educational institution, including accredited, public, nonprofit, and proprietary (privately-owned, profit-making) postsecondary institutions. Additionally, in order to be an eligible educational institution, the school must be eligible to participate in a student aid program administered by the Department of Education. If they issue a 1098-T they are probably an eligible institution.

Enter your school at the link below, to see if it's on the dept. of education list.

https://fafsa.ed.gov/FAFSA/app/schoolSearch?locale=en_EN (choose foreign country for state)

You do not need a 1098-T to claim the credit. You do not submit any documents with your tax return. It is handled on the tax forms. But, lack of a 1098-T does increase your audit risk.

In TurboTax (TT), enter at:

Federal Taxes Tab 

Deductions & Credits

-Scroll down to:

--Education

  --Education Expenses

1 Replies
Level 15
Jun 4, 2019 11:12:51 PM

Only education at an "eligible institution" qualifies for a tax credit or deduction. 

The school should be able to tell you if it is an eligible educational institution. In general, an eligible educational institution is an accredited college, university, vocational school, or other postsecondary educational institution, including accredited, public, nonprofit, and proprietary (privately-owned, profit-making) postsecondary institutions. Additionally, in order to be an eligible educational institution, the school must be eligible to participate in a student aid program administered by the Department of Education. If they issue a 1098-T they are probably an eligible institution.

Enter your school at the link below, to see if it's on the dept. of education list.

https://fafsa.ed.gov/FAFSA/app/schoolSearch?locale=en_EN (choose foreign country for state)

You do not need a 1098-T to claim the credit. You do not submit any documents with your tax return. It is handled on the tax forms. But, lack of a 1098-T does increase your audit risk.

In TurboTax (TT), enter at:

Federal Taxes Tab 

Deductions & Credits

-Scroll down to:

--Education

  --Education Expenses