Your school sends your 1098-T directly to you and to the IRS

Your college or university is required to mail you a copy of your 1098-T by January 31 each year. This is the same important date they use to send it to the IRS. The form shows education expenses you paid during the tax year, and you'll need it to claim education tax credits on your return.

The school mails the form to the address they have on file for you in their student records system. If you've moved since you enrolled or since last tax season, the form might go to an old address. That's why it's worth checking with your school's financial aid office before the end of January if you haven't received it yet.

Key Takeaways

  • Schools must send your 1098-T by January 31, mailed to the address in your student record.
  • If you don't receive it by early February, contact your school's financial aid or registrar office to request a copy or confirm your mailing address.
  • You can also view your 1098-T online through your school's student portal or financial aid system in many cases.
  • The IRS also has a record of your 1098-T, so if you lose yours, you can request a transcript that includes the information.

Check your school's online student portal first

Many colleges now post the 1098-T to your student account before mailing the paper copy. Log into your school's student portal or financial aid system and look for a section labeled "1098-T," "Tax Forms," or "Documents." Some schools make it available in November or December, well before the January 31 mailing important date.

This online version is just as valid as the mailed copy for filing your taxes. If you find it there, you can read and print it right away instead of waiting for the mail. You won't need to wait for the physical form to arrive.

Contact your financial aid office if the form doesn't arrive

If you haven't received your 1098-T by early February, call or email your school's financial aid office. Have your student ID number ready. Tell them your current mailing address and ask them to either mail you a replacement copy or confirm that they've already sent it.

The financial aid office can also tell you whether your school issued a 1098-T for you at all. Some students don't receive one because they didn't pay may have access to expenses out of pocket, or because their school didn't have the required information to complete the form. If that's the case, the office will explain what happened and what you should do when you file.

Request a copy from the registrar if financial aid can't help

If the financial aid office says they've mailed it but you still haven't received it after two weeks, ask to speak with the registrar's office. The registrar keeps records of all tax forms issued and can print you a duplicate. Some schools charge a small fee for duplicate forms, but many don't.

Provide your full name, student ID, and the tax year you need the form for. The registrar can usually print and mail a copy within a few business days, or in some cases hand you one in person if you visit campus.

Get your 1098-T information from the IRS if you can't reach your school

If you've tried contacting your school and can't get a response, you can request a transcript from the IRS that includes your 1098-T information. Call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 or visit irs.gov and use their transcript ordering tool. You'll need to provide your name, address, and Social Security number.

The IRS keeps a copy of every 1098-T that schools report to them. They can send you a transcript showing the amounts reported for your education expenses. This transcript serves the same purpose as the original form when you file your taxes. The process usually takes one to two weeks by mail.

Understand what information appears on your 1098-T

Your 1098-T shows may have access to education expenses you paid during the tax year. This includes tuition, fees, and course materials required for enrollment. It does not include room and board, transportation, or personal expenses, even if you paid them as part of your college costs.

The form lists the total amount in Box 1 and Box 2. Box 1 shows may have access to tuition and related expenses. Box 2 shows scholarships or grants your school applied to your bill. The amounts in these boxes are what you'll reference when you claim the American Opportunity Tax Credit or the Lifetime Learning Credit on your tax return.

Keep your 1098-T with your tax records

Once you receive your 1098-T, store it with your other tax documents. You don't have to attach it to your tax return when you file, but you should keep it for at least three years in case the IRS asks questions about your education credits.

If you file electronically, your tax software will ask you to enter the amounts from your 1098-T. If you file on paper, you'll write the amounts on the appropriate lines of your return. Either way, having the original form on hand makes it straightforward to double-check the numbers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if my 1098-T shows expenses I didn't actually pay?

Contact your school's financial aid office right away. The form should only include expenses you paid out of pocket. If scholarships or grants covered the full amount, those expenses shouldn't appear on your 1098-T. The school can issue a corrected form if there's an error.

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

No. You can file using the information from your online portal, a printed copy, or an IRS transcript. The IRS has the same information your school reported, so you don't have to mail the form with your return. Keep it for your records, but you don't need the original to file.

Can I get a 1098-T for a year I already filed taxes?

Yes. If you filed without claiming education credits and later realize you should have, you can request a prior-year 1098-T from your school. You'll then file an amended return. Contact your school's registrar or financial aid office and specify which tax year you need.

What if my school says they didn't issue a 1098-T for me?

Ask why. Common reasons include: you didn't pay may have access to expenses out of pocket, your school didn't have your tax ID on file, or you received a full scholarship. The financial aid office can explain which applies to you and what to do when you file your return.

Is the 1098-T the same as a 1098-Q?

No. The 1098-T reports may have access to education expenses from a college or university. The 1098-Q (now called the 1099-Q) reports distributions from a 529 education savings plan. You may receive both if you used a 529 plan to pay for school. They're separate forms with different purposes.