If 1098t form for 2017 box 1&2 is empty. tuition was billed in Dec 2016 and on the 2016 - 1098T. Can I still claim tuition for 2017?

[nitaswinton]

If 1098t form for 2017 box 1&2 is empty but there is amount in box 5 for scholarship not much $8,000.  The tuition was billed in Dec 2016 and on the 2016 - 1098T.  The tuition was for 2017 but was included in the 1098T 2016 form (box 7 was checked).  Can I still claim tuition for 2017 even though boxes 1 & 2 are empty?  How does all of this affect my 2017 return? 

[kerriP · Accepted solution]

The education credit if figured on amounts actually paid during a calendar year.   Right now with no Tuition to go against the scholarships,  the scholarship amount  is going to be taxable income.  (Unless you have other qualified expenses to claim in 2017)  But read on.

When did you pay the tuition that was billed in 2016, for Spring  2017 classes?  Also, Did you claim that Tuition on your 2016 return?

You can not claim the same Tuition twice.  If the spring 2017 tuition was not actually paid until 2017 you can claim on your 2017 tax return IF you did not include the tuition in 2016.  If it was claimed in 2016 but not paid until 2017, you should probably amend your 2016 tax return to remove the spring 2017 tuition.

So look at your 2016 information and see if you claimed tuition on your 2016 return that you paid in 2017.  If you did, you should consider amending so you can claim it in 2017, to offset your scholarship money.