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Where to Get 1098-T Form? The 1098-T form, also known as the Tuition Statement, is a crucial document for students and families filing taxes. It reports qualified tuition and related expenses paid during the calendar year, which can help qualify for education tax credits like the American Opportunity Credit or Lifetime Learning Credit. If you’re a student who attended an eligible college, university, or vocational school in 2024, your institution is required to provide this form for the 2024 tax year, covering expenses that may span the 2024–2025 academic year. In this guide, we’ll explore reliable ways to obtain your 1098-T, including through school portals, printable options, and what to do if it’s missing—all based on up-to-date IRS guidelines and institutional practices.
What is the 1098-T Form and Why Do You Need It?
Form 1098-T is issued by eligible educational institutions to report payments received for qualified tuition and related expenses, as well as scholarships or grants. It’s not a bill but a summary that helps you calculate potential tax benefits on your federal return. Eligible institutions include most accredited public, nonprofit, and private postsecondary schools participating in federal student aid programs. For the 2024 tax year, the form details expenses from January to December 2024, which often includes fall 2024 tuition for the 2024–2025 academic year.
Institutions must furnish the 1098-T to students by January 31, 2025, and file it with the IRS by February 28, 2025 (or the next business day if it falls on a weekend or holiday). If your expenses were fully covered by scholarships or you didn’t have reportable transactions, you might not receive one.
Deadlines and Updates for 2024–2025 Tuition Statements
For the 2024 calendar year (tax year 2024), schools issue 1098-T forms in early 2025. This covers tuition payments made in 2024, potentially including advance payments for spring 2025 terms if they relate to academic periods beginning January–March 2025 (noted in Box 7 of the form). The IRS requires electronic or paper delivery, and many schools now prioritize digital access to meet environmental and efficiency goals.
Key changes for recent years include a lowered e-filing threshold for institutions filing 10 or more returns, effective after January 1, 2024. If you’re preparing for the 2025 tax year (covering 2025 expenses), expect similar deadlines in 2026, with forms available by January 31, 2026.
Accessing Your 1098-T Through School Portals
Most colleges and universities provide electronic access to the 1098-T via secure student portals, making it quick and convenient. This is often the fastest way to get your form without waiting for mail. Here’s how it typically works:
- Log In to Your Student Account: Access your school’s online portal (e.g., MyPack at NC State, ConnectCarolina at UNC Chapel Hill, or PG Campus at Purdue Global). Navigate to sections like “Student Accounts,” “Bursar,” or “Tax Documents.”
- Consent for Electronic Delivery: Many schools require you to opt-in for e-delivery. For example, at Liberty University, students can elect electronic receipt in their myLU portal, with forms available by January 31. At NC State, toggle consent in the MyPack Portal under “Student Accounts.”
- Third-Party Services: Institutions like MIT, University of Arizona, and UT Dallas use Heartland ECSI for portal access. Log in with your school code, account number (often your SSN), and PIN to download the form.
- Examples of School-Specific Portals:
- Florida State University: Use MyFSU, select “My Bill,” then “View 1098-T” to download by year.
- Maricopa Community Colleges: Access via TRA Maximus Services; register if it’s your first time.
- UNC Charlotte: Log into MyCharlotte, go to “My Student Account,” and select “View 1098-T.”
If you’re an alumnus or no longer have portal access, contact your school’s bursar or student financial services office. For instance, MIT alumni can email [email protected] for prior-year forms.
Obtaining Printable Copies of Your 1098-T Form
If you need a hard copy or prefer to print one yourself, options are straightforward but institution-dependent:
- Download and Print from Portals: Once accessed electronically, most portals allow you to download a PDF version of the 1098-T, which you can print at home. The IRS provides online fillable Copy B for recipients, available at IRS.gov/Form1098T, but this is for reference—your official form comes from your school.
- Request a Mailed Copy: If you haven’t opted for electronic delivery, schools mail the form by January 31. For duplicates, contact your institution’s bursar office. Purdue Global, for example, mails physical copies in addition to portal access.
- If Lost or Not Received: Reach out to your school immediately. Reasons for not receiving it include outdated addresses, no SSN/ITIN on file, or no qualified expenses. At Sinclair Community College, lost forms can be retrieved via Heartland ECSI. The Federal Student Aid site advises that schools provide it electronically or by mail if expenses were paid.
- Prior-Year Forms: Access older 1098-Ts (e.g., for amendments) through the same portals or by requesting from the school. TurboTax recommends contacting the issuing school for replacements, as they’re reported to the IRS.
Note: Blank 1098-T forms aren’t available for self-filing; they’re generated by schools based on your records.
What to Do If You Haven’t Received Your 1098-T?
If January 31 passes without your form, first check your school portal and spam folders for electronic notifications. Update your address with the school if needed. Nonresident aliens or students with fully waived fees may be exempt from receiving one. If eligible but missing, email or call the bursar’s office—many, like UT Dallas, require an SSN or ITIN on file to generate it.
Even without the form, you can report education expenses using your own records, but having the official 1098-T ensures accuracy and avoids IRS mismatches.
Final Tips for 2024–2025 Tax Preparation
Securing your 1098-T early via school portals is the most efficient method, especially for the 2024 tax season. Printable copies are readily available through downloads, and lost forms can be replaced by contacting your institution. Remember, the 1098-T is for informational purposes—consult a tax professional or use IRS resources like Publication 970 for claiming credits.
By following these steps, you’ll have your tuition statement in hand, ready to maximize your tax benefits. For more details, visit IRS.gov or your school’s financial aid office.