Q. Is adding to the 1098-T okay or are we not to modify an official IRS document someone has sent to us.
There is no "other charges" box on the 1098-T, it's self. But, there is in the TT interview ("other education expenses"). And that is the official place to enter those other expenses (books, a computer, room & board, fees, other course materials).
But, to answer your question: Simple answer: yes.
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 or you need to offset a 529 distribution.
If you claim the tuition credit, you do need to report that you got one.
You claim those tax attributes, based on your own financial records, not the 1098-T. In the 1098-T screen, click on the link "What if this is not what I paid the school" underneath box 1. You will then be able to enter the actual amounts paid. ".
Or if you find it easier, just change the numbers in boxes 1& 5 to what your records show. The 1098-T that you enter in TT is not sent to the IRS.
But, there are caveats. "Dorm" (room & board), are qualified expenses for a 529 distribution, but not for the tuition credit or tax free scholarship. So, entering it on the 1098-T could cause problems if you trying to do more than just offset the 529 distribution. TT actually has a separate place to enter R&B. To get the screen to enter Room & Board, answer yes when asked if you have book expenses, in the 1098-T section. The R&B box will not show up, if you didn't enter the 1099-Q previously.
