Should file tax return using form 1098-t

[benjamin-ronoh]

how can i access link to file tax return using form 1098-t

[AmyC]

The 1098-T is part of your tax return and is entered in the deductions and credits section of your return. The 1098-T box 1 has tuition and box 5 has scholarships. If box 5 is bigger than box 1, you would have taxable income to report. If box 1 is bigger than box 5, you may qualify for a tax credit. There are two tax credits, lifetime learning and American Opportunity.

However, it is often beneficial to claim some scholarship income for room and board expenses, if needed, to maximize education credit. If you do not have a tax liability, it will not help. If you are not claiming yourself, this goes on the return of the person claiming you.

Education credit eligibility

$80,000-$90,000

$160,000- $180,000 MFJ

For additional help, I recommend you look at another of my answers for help.

[Hal_Al]

You don't usually file a tax return using just form 1098-T.  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. 

There's a new urban myth among college students that says they can get a $1000 from the government just for filing a tax form. For most of them, they simply aren't eligible. A full time unmarried student, under age 24, even if you don't qualify as a dependent, is only eligible for the refundable portion of the American Opportunity Credit if he supports himself by working. You cannot be supporting yourself on parental support, 529 plans or student loans & grants. You usually must have actually paid tuition, not had it paid by scholarships & grants.  It is usually best if the parent claims that credit. 

You cannot claim a credit if you are, or can be, claimed as a dependent by someone else.

Reference: Line 7 instructions for form 8863. https://www.irs.gov/instructions/i8863