1098-T FAQ
When are you mailing 1098-T and 1098-E forms?
1098-T forms will be sent via U.S. Mail no later than January 31st. The 1098-T forms are mailed by Eastern Michigan University. Your student loan servicers will mail the 1098-E forms to you directly.
What is a 1098-T?
The information on the 1098-T form is being provided to assist the student with filing for the education tax benefits/tax credit deductions, such as the Lifetime Learning Tax Credit, Hope Scholarship Tax Credit, or the Above-the-Line Tax Deduction for Qualified Higher Education Expenses. See the IRS web site at irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p970.pdf for more information.
Why did I get a 1098-T form?
Eastern Michigan University is required to send a 1098-T form to any student that was enrolled and had qualified tuition billed during the previous calendar year.
Why did I receive a 1098T this year but not previous years?
You may have been in a population that was not necessary to be notified in previous years. All students will be receiving a 1098T from EMU effective 2015.
Why didn't I get a 1098-T form?
There are several reasons why a 1098-T form may not be generated or received:
- If your 1098-T form was sent to an old or incorrect address. Visit my.emich.edu to print out a new one.
- If you have not provided EMU with your Social Security Number (SSN).
What are qualified charges?
Qualified charges include tuition and fees a student is required to pay "out-of-pocket" in order to be enrolled at or attend Eastern Michigan University. Amounts paid for any course or other education involving sports, games, or hobbies are not eligible for the credit unless the course or other education is part of the student's degree program. Charges and fees associated with room, board, student activities, athletics, insurance, transportation, and similar personal, living, or family expenses are not qualified.
What changes in qualified education expenses are related to the American Opportunity Tax Credit?
Under the American Opportunity Tax Credit congress has modified the definition of expenses that qualify for the credit. The term "qualified tuition and related expenses" has been expanded to include expenditures for "course materials." For this purpose, the term "course materials" means books, supplies and equipment needed for a course of study whether or not the materials are purchased from the educational institution as a condition of enrollment or attendance.
Why do you list 'amounts billed for qualified tuition' (Box 2) rather than 'payments received for qualified tuition' (Box 1)?
An institution may choose to report either payments received (box 1) or amounts billed (box 2) for qualified education expenses. The University reports amounts billed for qualified tuition (box 2); however, the amount in box 2 of Form 1098-T may be different than what you actually paid. When figuring for education tax benefits purposes, use only the amounts you paid out-of-pocket in that tax year.
Are the 1098-T forms available electronically?
1098-T forms are available electronically via my.emich.edu 'Transactions by Date' link at the top to sort and display all financial transactions by date for the calendar year.
Can I get a duplicate copy of my 1098-T form for prior years?
Yes. Visit my.emich.edu
Will I still get a 1098-T when I haven't paid my tuition and fee charges for that tax year?
You will be sent a 1098-T since you have qualified tuition and fees that were billed; however, you will not be able to claim an education tax benefit for the previous tax year since the charges were not paid.
Who do I contact if there is an error on my 1098-T?
Student Business Services
What if my Social Security Number is incorrect on the 1098-T?
Please contact Student Business Services for assistance.
I purchased books and a computer at the University bookstore. Why are these charges not showing on my 1098-T?
Generally, these items are not tracked within the student finance system of the University. Each student must keep track of their qualified charges (books, required equipment) on their own. Please contact the IRS or your personal tax preparer for assistance or review the information at irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p970.pdf.
Why doesn't the student health insurance fee count as qualified charges on my 1098-T since it is a mandatory fee?
Charges and fees associated with room, board, student activities, athletics, insurance, non-required equipment, transportation, and similar personal, living, or family expenses are not qualified charges.
My student is a high school student (i.e., Post Secondary Education Option, College in the Schools). Why did my student get a 1098-T form?
If your student had more qualified charges (Box 2) than they had in scholarships and grants (Box 5), the University is required to send the 1098-T form. High school students are not precluded from these tax benefits.
I'm an international student. Will I be sent a 1098-T?
Yes, as long as you have provided a valid Social Security Number (SSN) or Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) to EMU.
Does any of the information on the 1098-T correlate to any amounts I can claim on my tax return?
Not necessarily! Please contact your tax preparer
Please contact the IRS or your personal tax preparer for assistance or review the information at irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p970.pdf.