Q.Do I need to file this 1098-T?
A. Simple answer: No. If box 1 AND box 5 are blank, you most likely have nothing to report.
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 deduction or possibly your student has taxable scholarship income. You claim the tuition credit, or report scholarship income, based on your own financial records, not the 1098-T.
Q. There is a bill of 2065.65 which hasn't been paid yet. Will I be able to claim it when I pay it?
A. Probably not. If the bill is for 2019 tuition and you don't pay it until 2020, you may not claim a tuition credit on either your 2019 or 2020 tax returns. Tuition must be paid in the year of the courses, with one exception; you may pay for the Spring 2020 term in 2019.
