Tuition payment for Spring 2017 is shown in Box 2 of 2016 1098t but scholarship for Spring 2017 not on 1098t. Can I add scholarship for Spring 2017 to 2016 tax return if not on 1098t?

[gorman963]

In previous years the University included the Spring tuition and Spring scholarship on the same 1098t.  If I can not claim Spring 2017 scholarship on 2016 return, then next year more scholarship money will be on 1098t and cause me not to be able to receive the American Opportunity credit.  Of course, it depends on how the university reports Spring tuition and Spring scholarhsip on the 2017 1098t

[DanielV01 · Accepted solution]

Yes, you may.  The following is taken from an FAQ from inside of TurboTax Online (What are some common questions about 1098-Ts?, located on the 1098-T entry screen)

What if I receive my scholarship in a different year than I incur my expenses?

If you paid for spring and fall semesters in 2015, you would enter the scholarship income that was meant to be used for 2015, even if you didn't receive this income until 2016.

[dyons]

What about the reverse of this situation? What if the scholarship for 2017 is shown on Box 5 but the tuition offsetting that is not included in Box 1 or 2. (because it was in the 2016 1098-T). However, NO education credit was taken in 2016 owing to income limitations. Can one add back the tuition paid in 2016 (for spring 2017) so that the beneficiary does not have additional income in 2017? My question really is about tax year 2018, but the same issue as in the original post holds. Any answer would be appreciated.

[DanielV01]

You might find it beneficial to post a new question and include these details.  Since many tax laws have changed this year, you may want to have the latest information to assist you with your situation.

[dyons]

@TurboTaxDanielV , I have followed your suggestion and posted a new, specific question. It's at <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/Other-tax-discussions/2018-spring-tuition-billed-and-paid-in-Dec-2...>