I have 2 different 1098T from 2 different schools. Do I have to use both when claiming the credit or can I just use 1?

[KenH1]

You should use both.  

If the 1098s are for the same student, it is possible that the smaller one will not provide additional tax benefit, but you should enter both to find out.

[kcoop924]

The smaller one alone adds $600 to the refund while both drop it by $2000. So should we just use the smaller one and leave the other off? Are we allowed to do that?

[KenH1]

Yes you can have multiple 1098s.  It's the total dollar amount that is limited, and TurboTax will calculate it correctly.

[kcoop924]

I think the question is being misunderstood. If we received 2 do we have to use both of them or can we just use 1 that will help our return? Using both hurts us by decreasing our return by $2000 but only using 1 would help by increasing return by $600. So can I just us the 1 do I have to use both or should I just use none?

[KenH1]

Apologies, I did misunderstand.  It is unusual that a second 1098-T would have a negative effect.   Are there numbers in boxes 4,5, or 6?   (Scholarships, etc).  If yes, you should include that 1098-T....if not, and it's hurting you, then you can leave it off.

[kcoop924]

5 and 6 have numbers in them. Thank you for getting back to me!

[KenH1]

No problem!

[bojo2-09]

I went to 2 colleges. One was scholarships and the other I paid for. I have one 1098T the one I paid. Do I need to get the other one for the scholarships?