I paid off an old college bill in 2020, it was in Box 2 on my 1098-T in 2012, but was never claimed. How do I get my tuition credit without a 2020 1098-T?

[Hal_Al]

You can't.  The tuition credit is based on current year payments for current year education.  So, only tuition paid, in 2020,  for 2020 courses (and/or the first term of 2021), qualifies for a education credit on your 2020 tax.

Furthermore, a payment in 2020, would not qualify you to amend a past year return.  Besides, there is a three year limit for amending for a refund. 

[elinor1990]

That's what I was afraid of, thank you!