If you have not yet filed, claim the reimbursement against the expenses for 2017. You are right, if you do not, and you report the reimbursement in 2018, you will also need to "Recapture the education Credit" for 2017. Since you will reduce the education expenses you claim for tax year 2017 for this reimbursement, you can use the expenses on your 2018 return if needed to offset the reimbursement if it is reported on your 2018 W2. Be sure to keep copies of all pertinent statements and receipts with your tax files.
According to the IRS:
“Refunds received after 2017 but before your income
tax return is filed.
If anyone
receives a refund after 2017 of qualified education expenses paid on behalf of
a student in 2017 and the refund is paid before you file an income tax return
for 2017, the amount of qualified education expenses for 2017 is reduced by the
amount of the refund. “
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HERE for IRS Pub 970 Education Credits
