Should I report my room and board as paid for with a scholarship or grant if it was waived/paid for by my university because I am a Resident Assistant?

[stardust142k2]

My room and board are paid for by my university, but it doesn't qualify under their records of my financial aid (scholarships, grants, loans, etc.). This might be a silly question, but do I still include the amount that they are paying for my room and board as a "scholarship or grant [used] to pay for room and board"?

[Hal_Al]

You may not get a clear cut answer.  

 The simple answer is it depends on how it was reported to you:

1. If on a 1098-T (box5) (and that's where it should have been reported) it is reported as taxable scholarship (line 8r of Schedule 1, starting in 2022). In the TT interview, when asked if your box 5 scholarship paid for Room & board, answer yes and enter the amount.

2. If on a W-2, it's straight forward. You enter the W-2 and TT puts it on line 1a of form 1040 as wages.

3. If it's not reported on any IRS document; there are two schools of thought: (1). It's on-site housing at the convenience of the employer and does not need to be reported at all or (2) (and this is more likely correct) it's still taxable scholarship and is entered as such. In TT, after entering the 1098-T, you will be asked if you had scholarships not reported on a 1098-T. Answer yes, enter the amount, answer yes to the room &board question and enter the amount again.