Yes, you're not being clear.
It's usually very simple: if box 5, of a 1098-T, is more than box 1, the difference between the two is all taxable income to you. The only adjustment would be for books and other required course materials, not included in box 1. There is a place, after entering the 1098-T to enter those expenses. Room and board and other living expenses are not qualified expenses for reducing the amount that is taxable.
Q. Why is it being counted as my income if all of what I've received from financial aid went straight to my education expenses?
A. If it went "straight to education expenses", why weren't those expenses included in box 1? Underneath box 1, In the 1098-T screen, click on the link "What if this is not what I paid the school" under box 1. You will then be able to enter your actual amounts (not including room & board and other living expenses). This is the amount that TT will used to calculate the taxable part of your scholarship.
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https://turbotax.intuit.com/support/contact/index.jsp
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