2019 1098-T Box 1 & 2 Empty

[guitarista926]

Hello,

I hope someone can help me.

I'm not sure if I received a correct 2019 1098-T.  Boxes 1 and 2 are empty. Boxes 4 and 5 have amounts. I spent $500 out of pocket in required books and materials for classes. Can I claim the American Opportunity Credit for the books I paid for? TurboTax says I can't claim it and it looks like it is because Box 1 of the 1098-T form is empty.

Shouldn't Box 1 of the 1098-T show the total payments received by an eligible educational institution in 2019 from any source for qualified tuition and related expenses less any reimbursements or refunds made during 2019 that relate to those payments received during 2019? Therefore any payments from the GI Bill should also be reported in Box 1?  Is 1098-T I received incorrect?

[KrisD15]

Yes, Box 1 is what was paid to the school in the tax year (Jan-Dec)

HOWEVER you can NEVER use expenses paid with the GI bill for a credit, but it will allow you to enter the expenses for books and supplies not listed on the 1098-T. 

The confusion arises when the school bills in December for the following year. 

What matters is when the payment posted. 

If your school received payment in 2019, but did not enter the amount in Box 1, use the "What if this is not what I paid?" link under Box 1 on the 1098-T screen and enter the amount paid in 2019. Be sure to have a copy of your school account statement to prove the payment was made in 2019 and keep this with your tax file.