1098 T and 1098 Q - Amounts paid in one year but not received by school until the next year

[joe1572]

I paid tuition at the end of 2024 for the 2025 Spring semestar.  My 1098-Q reflects Fall 2024 Payments and the amount I paid at the end of 2024.  My 1098-T is only showing the Fall 2024 expense.  If I enter only what is on the forms I will incur taxes, however these are for tuition expenses that appear to be crossing periods.  How do I get this situation adjusted so that I don't have a tax liability for these legitimate school expenses.

[KrisD15]

If you're sure that is what happened, enter the 1098-T and use the link under Box 1 "What if this is not what I paid?" and enter the full amount. 

Be sure to adjust the other way next year. 

Also, remember that a distribution can be used for Room and Board which also makes the distribution tax-free. 

PUB 970