How to get your 1098-T form

Your school sends your 1098-T to you and to the IRS by January 31 each year. You should receive it by mail or email, depending on how your school distributes forms. If you haven't received it by early February, contact your school's financial aid office or bursar's office — they maintain the records and can tell you whether the form was sent and resend it if needed.

The form reports may have access to education expenses you paid during the tax year. Your school decides which expenses count as may have access to under IRS rules, so the amount on your 1098-T may not match what you actually paid out of pocket. The form shows only what your school reported to the IRS, not what you can claim on your tax return.

You do not need the physical form to file your taxes. If your school mailed it but you lost it, you can file without it — you'll enter the amounts from your records. However, if the IRS later asks about your education credits, you'll need to show documentation of what you paid, so keep receipts, billing statements, and any correspondence from your school.

Key Takeaways

  • Schools must send the 1098-T by January 31, so contact your financial aid office if you haven't received it by mid-February.
  • The form reports only what your school classified as may have access to education expenses, which may differ from your total out-of-pocket costs.
  • You can file your taxes without the physical form if you have records of what you paid, but keep documentation in case the IRS asks questions later.
  • Your school's financial aid office can resend the form or provide a transcript showing the expenses they reported.
  • The 1098-T is sent to both you and the IRS, so the IRS already has a copy even if yours gets lost.

What to do if your school says they didn't send it

If your financial aid office tells you no 1098-T was issued, ask why. Common reasons include: you didn't meet the school's definition of a student (part-time status, enrollment verification issues), the expenses you paid didn't count as may have access to under IRS rules, or the school didn't receive payment from you directly (someone else paid, or you received a refund that covered the costs).

Request a written explanation of which expenses the school counted and why others were excluded. This matters because you may still be able to claim education credits based on what you actually paid, even if the school didn't report it on a 1098-T. You'll need to document those expenses yourself with receipts and billing statements.

What to do if you received a 1098-T but the amount seems wrong

The 1098-T shows what your school reported to the IRS, not necessarily what you paid. Schools report may have access to expenses, which have a specific IRS definition. Expenses that don't count as may have access to — such as room and board, books you bought yourself, student loans, or fees for room reservations — won't appear on the form even if you paid them.

If you believe the school made an error in what they reported, contact the financial aid office with documentation: your bill, proof of payment, and a list of what you think should have been included. The school can issue a corrected form (called a Form 1098-T with an "X" in the corrected box) if they agree there was a mistake. This corrected form goes to you and the IRS.

If the school stands by their numbers but you disagree with their interpretation of what counts as may have access to, you have the option to file your return claiming the education credits based on your own records. The IRS may then ask for documentation, and you can explain your position at that point.

What happens if you file before the 1098-T arrives

You can file your tax return before January 31 if you have other income to report and don't want to wait. Use your own records of what you paid for may have access to education expenses. If you later receive a 1098-T that shows different amounts, you can file an amended return (Form 1040-X) to correct your education credit claim.

Filing early and amending later is sometimes worth it if you're expecting a large refund from other income sources and don't want to delay. However, if the 1098-T shows a smaller amount than what you claimed, amending means reducing your refund or increasing what you owe.

Getting a copy of your 1098-T after the tax year ends

If you need a 1098-T from a prior year, contact your school's financial aid or bursar office. Schools keep records for at least seven years. Explain which tax year you need and ask them to send a copy or provide the information in writing. Some schools charge a small fee for transcript requests, though many provide tax documents at no cost.

If your school has closed or merged with another institution, contact the state's higher education agency or the school's successor institution. They can often locate your records or direct you to where they're stored.

Understanding what's on the form itself

The 1098-T has several boxes, and not all of them will be filled in for every student. Box 1 shows may have access to tuition and related education expenses. Box 2 shows scholarships or grants your school reported to the IRS. Box 5 shows whether you were enrolled at least half-time for at least one academic period during the year. Boxes 6 and 7 relate to graduate-level research and specific programs.

The form also shows your school's name and the school code. Your name, address, and tax identification number appear so the IRS can match it to your return. If any of this information is wrong, contact your school to request a corrected form.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I claim education expenses if I never received a 1098-T?

Yes. The 1098-T is a report to the IRS, not a requirement for claiming credits. You can claim may have access to education expenses based on your own records — receipts, billing statements, and payment confirmations. Keep documentation in case the IRS asks you to verify what you paid.

What if my parents paid my tuition instead of me?

The 1098-T goes to whoever the school has on file as the student. If your parents paid but you're claimed as a dependent, you may still be able to claim the education credit, but the rules are complex. Your school's financial aid office can clarify who the form was issued to and why.

Do I need the 1098-T to file my taxes on time?

No. You can file your return using your own records of what you paid. If the 1098-T arrives later and shows different amounts, you can file an amended return. However, if you're claiming education credits, having the form on file with the IRS protects you if there's a discrepancy.

What if the 1098-T shows a refund I received but I used that money for other expenses?

The IRS counts refunds as reducing your may have access to expenses, even if you spent the refund money on something else. If your school issued a refund, the 1098-T will reflect that. You can only claim the net amount: may have access to expenses minus refunds received.

Can I get a 1098-T if I paid out of pocket but my school didn't receive the payment directly?

It depends on your school's reporting practices. If you paid a third party (like a textbook company) directly, or if someone else paid your tuition on your behalf, the school may not have reported those expenses. Contact your financial aid office to understand what they reported and why. You may still document those expenses yourself for tax purposes.