Your school sends your 1098-T, not the IRS
The 1098-T comes from your college or university, not from the IRS. Your school is required to send you a copy by January 31st of the year after you paid tuition. If you paid tuition in 2024, you'll receive the 1098-T in January 2025. The school also sends a copy to the IRS at the same time.
You should receive it by mail or email, depending on how your school communicates. Some schools post it in your student portal instead. Check your school's financial aid office website or contact them directly if you're unsure which method they use.
Key Takeaways
- Your college or university mails or emails your 1098-T by January 31st each year, not the IRS.
- If you don't receive it by early February, contact your school's financial aid or registrar office to request a copy.
- Some schools post the 1098-T in your student portal or online account instead of mailing it.
- You need the 1098-T to report education credits on your tax return, but you can still file without it if necessary.
Check your school's student portal first
Most colleges now post tax documents online before mailing them. Log into your student account or portal and look for a section labeled "Tax Documents," "1098-T," "Financial Aid," or "Student Services." The exact location varies by school, but it's usually under financial aid or student records.
If your school uses a system like Banner, Workday, or Colleague, the 1098-T typically appears in the same place where you view your bill or financial aid package. Check there before calling the office.
Contact your financial aid office if you haven't received it
If it's past February 1st and you haven't received your 1098-T by mail or email, call or email your school's financial aid office. Have your student ID number ready. They can tell you whether the form was mailed, emailed, or posted online, and they can resend it if needed.
Some schools also allow you to request a copy through their online portal. Look for a "Request Documents" or "Tax Forms" option in your student account.
What to do if your school says they didn't issue one
Your school is only required to send a 1098-T if you paid may have access to tuition and fees during the tax year. If your school says they didn't issue one, it may mean your payments didn't meet the IRS definition of may have access to expenses, or the school didn't have your correct tax ID on file.
Ask the financial aid office to explain why no form was issued. If you believe you should have received one, they can help you understand what happened. You can still report education expenses on your tax return even without the 1098-T, though you'll need to gather your own records of what you paid.
Getting a copy from the IRS if your school can't help
If your school no longer has records or won't provide a copy, you can request a transcript from the IRS. Call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 and ask for a copy of the 1098-T that was filed on your behalf. The IRS keeps these records and can send you a duplicate.
This process takes longer than asking your school directly, so contact your school first. The IRS can usually mail a copy within two weeks, but it's faster to get it from the source.
Using your 1098-T when you file
When you file your tax return, you'll enter information from your 1098-T into the education section of your return. The form shows the may have access to tuition and fees you paid in boxes 1 and 2. You use this information to claim the American Opportunity Credit or the Lifetime Learning Credit, depending on your situation and income.
You don't mail the 1098-T with your return if you file electronically, but you should keep a copy for your records. If you file on paper, attach a copy of the 1098-T to your return.
What if you paid tuition but your name isn't on the 1098-T
If someone else paid your tuition—a parent, grandparent, or other relative—the 1098-T will show their name and tax ID, not yours. This happens because the school reports the form based on who paid the bill. The person who paid can claim the education credit on their return using that 1098-T.
If you paid part of the tuition and someone else paid the rest, only the person whose name appears on the school's payment records will receive the 1098-T. You'll need to coordinate with whoever paid to make sure the credit goes to the person who can use it most effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I file my taxes without the 1098-T?
Yes. You can report education expenses on your return even without the form, as long as you have records of what you paid. However, the IRS prefers that you use the 1098-T if one was issued. If you file without it and the IRS has a copy on file, they may contact you to reconcile the difference.
My school says they mailed it but I never got it. What do I do?
Ask the financial aid office for the mailing address they used. If it was wrong, request they send it again to the correct address or email it instead. If the address was correct, contact your mail carrier or file a change of address if you've moved. You can also ask the school to email a copy when ready while investigating the mail issue.
I changed schools mid-year. Will I get two 1098-Ts?
Yes, you should receive one from each school you attended. Each form will show only the may have access to expenses paid to that school. When you file, you'll report the total from both forms. Make sure both schools have your correct tax ID and mailing address on file.
What if the 1098-T shows the wrong amount?
Contact your school's financial aid office when ready. They can issue a corrected form if there was an error in what they reported. The school will send you a corrected 1098-T and also notify the IRS. Use the corrected form when you file your return.
Do I need the 1098-T if I'm claiming the American Opportunity Credit?
The 1098-T helps you document your may have access to expenses, but you can claim the credit without it if you have other proof of what you paid, such as tuition bills or receipts. However, if the IRS has a 1098-T on file for you and you don't report it, they may flag your return.