1098-T: what it is, and how to get it from your school

Form 1098-T reports box 1 payments received for qualified tuition and related expenses, box 5 scholarships or grants, and adjustments to a prior year in boxes 4 and 6. Box 8 shows whether you were at least a half-time student.

The form is in the student’s name even when parents paid. Preparers use it, with payment records, to check education credits.

The college, university or other eligible educational institution issues it, and must furnish it to the student by January 31. Many schools post it online through a tax form service and send paper only on request.

1. The student portal, under Billing, Student account or Tax information.
2. The tax form service the school uses, linked from the bursar’s office page.
3. The mail, at the student’s address on file, if the school sends paper.
4. The bursar’s or student accounts office, for a reissued copy.

• A tuition bill or account statement instead of the 1098-T.
• The 1098-T alone, without records of what was paid out of pocket for books or fees.
• Last year’s form, still at the top of the student account.
• Nothing because the student, not the parent, has the login.