I am a study abroad student and my university does not have an EIN. What do I fill out on the form in it's place?

[jb2953a]

I am a masters student directly enrolled in a British university. They do not have a federal tax id number. I cannot seem to file online without it. What do I put in the box?

[LinaJ2018]

You do not need to enter anything in that box.  As a master degree student, you may only qualify for the Lifetime Learning Credit which does not require a federal ID in order to claim.  The American Opportunity Tax Credit (which is allowed for post-secondary undergraduate students) is the one requires you must have the federal tax id.  As you enter the information in the program, select the option I can't find the id No. Then enter the foreign address of your school to continue.  In the end, the program will confirm your tax credit.  

[jb2953a]

Thank you for the detailed response. I followed your instructions, but it will not let me pass the final check. I tried what previous years recommended (all 9s) without success. Any suggestions?

[LinaJ2018]

Did you check you received a 1098-T or not?

[jb2953a]

Thank you! That was it.

[LinaJ2018]

You are welcome!

[paulollivier]

It seems currently, if there's no federal tax ID, turbo tax does not calculate the tax credit

Reason: Education institution employer ID number (EIN) not entered

My daughter's college is in abroad, it is in the actual FAFSA data base, but it does not have tax ID. 

I think Turbo Tax is calculating incorrectly, because IRS site indicates is a valid institution as long as it is in their data bases and include a link to FAFSA

[HopeS]

Unless your university participates in a student aid program administered by the US Department of Education, then it would not be considered an eligible educational institution for the purpose of the American Opportunity Tax Credit and you would not qualify to claim the credit.  Please clarify that you received Form 1098T. If the school is on the FAFSA list then it is most likely a qualified school for the tuition. However, you will need the tax ID from the school in order to efile. You can contact the school to obtain this information.

What is an eligible Education Institution?

@paulollivier