I-Bond Interest Used for Student Expense

[dunstert]

I cashed in I-Bonds this year and have expenses from my son that qualify. I entered student information and then noticed I had the wrong information for the student and the school.  Since the student details wouldn't let me change the school information, I deleted it in order to make corrections on the school. Now I cannot re-enter ANY student data. I get stuck on the page sating "Great, let's keep going to see if you qualify for a tax break Next, we'll ask you about each student, one at a time, as well as their educational expenses. We'll also get a little more info from you about your bonds."

I have re-botted the computer, deleted and re-entered the I-BOND 1099-INT to get back to the same data entry point and still get the error showing above.  Can I get to the student information from some other way so I can input the right details?  First glitch I've had with TurboTax in 9+ years of use!

[AmyC]

Yes, switch over to the deductions and credits section. Scroll down to expenses and scholarships (Form 1098-T). You can add a student or an institution, expenses, etc.

[dunstert]

Thanks.  I was able to update the student information, but am still stuck at the CONTINUE button on the page 

"Great, let's keep going to see if you qualify for a tax break"

Next, we'll ask you about each student, one at a time, as well as their educational expenses. We'll also get a little more info from you about your bonds.

I can't get past that page...still looking for how to move on from that section. (Apparently entering the student details wasn't the whole issue!?!)

[AmyC]

Do you mean you are stuck as in the program does not continue when you press the continue selection? Please try one or more of the following:

• Don't use Internet Explorer.
• Clear cookies and cache, instructions on the links.
  • Google Chrome
  • Microsoft Internet Explorer
  • Safari
• Sign in using a different browser.
• Sign in using a different device.

You should be able to select a different area of the tax return. Maybe you need to revisit the I bond entry?

Can you get to the education summary page to try again?

[fasteddo]

I can confirm.

I am in the exact situation as above.

Turbotax won't let me go past the "Great, let's keep going to see if you qualify for a tax break" screen.

When you push 'Continue', it says "Please Wait" and then returns to the same screen.

[AmyC]

You need to contact support. There are no known issues.

[wallaceaustin]

Same issue for me.  Desktop version.

[wallaceaustin]

Did you ever get a solution for this?  I am having the same issue.

[AmyC]

Check that your system can handle the program at TurboTax® Desktop 2024-2025 System Requirements - Intuit. If the hardware is fine, you need to contact support. There are no known issues. I am using desktop with no issue.

@wallaceaustin 

[blueocean8888]

I can confirm here. I have the exact same problem here. I am stuck now and cannot proceed.

[blueocean8888]

Here is how I solved the problem: Manually enter tuition into Form 8815.

In TurboTax desktop version, View > Forms, find Form 8815, then follow these instructions to manually enter data:

Line 2: Enter the total qualified higher education expenses paid during the tax year.

Line 3: Subtract any nontaxable educational benefits received (e.g., scholarships or grants).

Line 4: Calculate the net qualified education expenses (Line 2 minus Line 3).

Line 5: Enter the total proceeds (principal and interest) from all Series I bonds cashed during the year.

Line 6: Enter the interest portion of the proceeds.

Line 8: Multiply the interest by the ratio of qualified expenses to total proceeds (Line 4 ÷ Line 5).

Line 9: Enter your MAGI. If it exceeds the threshold ($xxx,xxx for married filing jointly), the exclusion is disallowed.