Q. Do I put the 1098-T forms on my return, since I am claiming them as dependents, or do they put the 1098-T's on their returns?
A. 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 possibly your student has taxable scholarship income.
If you claim the tuition credit, you do need to report that you got one. If you are claiming the credit, the 1098-T goes on your return.
You claim the tuition credit, or report scholarship income, based on your own financial records, not the 1098-T. But the process goes smoother starting with a 1098-T.
If the student is claiming taxable scholarship, again the process goes smoother if he enters the1098-T. So, it's very possible it's entered both places, with adjustments. The TT interview theoretically handles all this. But, if you find it easier, just change the numbers in boxes 1& 5 to what your records and calculations show. The 1098-T that you enter in TT is not sent to the IRS.
