I didn't receive 1098T for 2018 because the entire tuition was paid by scholarship. I have qualified education expenses. Can I still claim for the AOTC without a 1098T?

[KatrinaB · Accepted solution]

Yes, you can claim the American Opportunity Credit without form 1098-T. However, you must have out of pocket expenses in order to qualify. Please view the "Form 1098-T Requirement" section in the IRS link below for more details.

https://www.irs.gov/instructions/i8863

Note: You must reduce your education credit by any tax-free educational assistance received in 2018. The credit must be calculated on out of pocket expenses including those paid with student loan funds. Please view page 14, IRS Publication 970 in the link below. 

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p970.pdf

[lukebastian99]

If I don't want to try and claim the American Opportunity Credit and I wasn't sent a 1098-T, can I not enter my scholarship information?

[Hal_Al]

@lukebastian99 

Yes, you can do that. But, why do you want to enter your scholarship information and not claim a tuition credit?   Depending on what  you are trying to accomplish, you may need more specific instructions.

In TurboTax (TT), enter at:

Federal Taxes Tab (Personal for H&B version)

Deductions & Credits

-Scroll down to:

--Education

  --Education Expenses

After telling TT that you do not have a 1098-T, the interview will give you a chance to enter expenses and scholarships.  The amount of scholarship that exceeds qualified expenses (tuition, fees, books and other course materials) is considered taxable income.