How to handle 1098T that marks box 7?

[boinkle87]

how do I split box 1 amount if box 7 is marked?

[Hal_Al · Accepted solution]

Q. How do I split box 1 amount if box 7 is marked?

A. Normally, you don't split it.  If you paid the tuition in 2023 (even for the 1st 2024 term), you are allowed to claim the tuition/education credit, for that amount, on your 2023 tax return.

That said, 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 (usually the school's billing statements), 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.