If spring scholarships posted in January 22 this year (last spring it was in December) can you override and claim them in 21 1098T

[Spiders26]

So, a little confused by this conversation but would appreciate comments.  My son received an athletic scholarship in 2022.  He paid the majority of his spring tuition in December 2021.  Therefore, it appears he has income,  however, this is not the case.  How do I handle this?

[Hal_Al]

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, 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 2021 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.

[Spiders26]

Thank you, I think you are saying during the Turbo tax interview process this issue will be addressed.

[Hal_Al]

" I think you are saying during the Turbo tax interview process this issue will be addressed."

Yes, but you need to know what you're doing.  More accurately, you will be given a chance to adjust the info on the 1098-T, for the facts. 

[Spiders26]

Thank you, I will come back if I have any questions.  

[BookerM]

I have a similar scenario where I paid for my Spring 2022 tuition in November 2021, but now my 1098-T form has nothing in box 1 for tuition expenses but my full Spring scholarship in box 5, causing me to owe taxes on the full scholarship even though that scholarship went towards my payment in November. How do I handle this? Thanks.

[Hal_Al]

Q.  I paid for my Spring 2022 tuition in November 2021, but now my 1098-T form has nothing in box 1 for tuition expenses but my full Spring scholarship in box 5, causing me to owe taxes on the full scholarship even though that scholarship went towards my payment in November. How do I handle this?

A. As described  above,  you file or don't file the 1098-T,  based on your own records and not an erroneous 1098-T.  

Just don't enter the 1098-T, if you are not claiming a tuition credit or do not have any taxable scholarship to report.

If you claimed a credit, on your (or your parent's) 2021 return, Then some of the scholarship paid in 2022 may be taxable.