Updated 05.17.2012

Education Tax Credits

Today is: Friday - May 25, 2012

The Internal Revenue Code provides both tax credits and deductions that may be taken to reduce the federal income tax burden for students or those paying the costs of a student’s higher education. Briefly, credits directly reduce the amount of income tax owed, while deductions reduce the amount of taxable income upon which income taxes are computed. Per IRS regulation, WWU reports all tuition charges, financial aid, grant or scholarship payment information for students on the 1098T (see below).

Go Green Opt-in to receive only an electronic version of your student tax form (1098-T). Stop receiving the additional paper copy in the mail. Keep reading to learn more!

GONE GREEN: 1,207 students

Help grow this number to 15,000 Opt in now!

FAQ's
blueline

Go Green

What is the benefit of receiving the 1098-T online vs. regular postal mail?

Online delivery provides 24/7 access to the Form 1098-T.
Online delivery eliminates the chance that the Form 1098-T will get lost, misdirected or delayed during delivery, or misplaced once the student receives it.
Students can receive their Form 1098-T even while traveling or away from their permanent home address.

How do I "Go Green" and consent to access my Form 1098-T online?

Students at Western Washington University have the option to GO GREEN and consent to receive their 2011 1098-T tax form electronically. If you have not consented to do so and would like to receive your 1098-T form electronically, please give your consent by:

Logging into your myWestern
Click on your Student Tab
In the Web4U Student portlet, select WWU Student Account Online
On the main page go to1098T block
Select “Click here to accept electronic delivery option of 1098T only”
Read consent, then continue, check the I agree box and submit.

See the video with step-by-step instructions.

Can I change my mind and receive a paper 1098-T form by mail again?

The online delivery only option is not permanent – students can change their minds and opt to receive the additional paper form at any time.

1098-T

Why did I receive a 1098-T and what is it used for?

In January of each year, Western Washington University provides IRS Form 1098-T to all students who had qualified tuition and other related educational expenses billed to them during the previous calendar year. This form is informational only and should not be considered as tax opinion or advice. It serves to alert students that they may be eligible for federal income tax education credits. Receipt of Form 1098-T does not indicate eligibility for the tax credit. To determine the amount of qualified tuition and fees paid, and the amount of scholarships and grants received, a taxpayer should use their own financial records.

For questions on the amounts shown on Form 1098-T, contact Student Accounts at 360-650-2865. Consult with your tax advisor for questions regarding eligibility requirements and calculation of any allowable education tax credit.

Did you send a copy of this form to the IRS?

Yes. Section 6050S of the Internal Revenue Code, as enacted by the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997, requires institutions to file information returns to assist taxpayers and the Internal Revenue Service in determining eligibility for the Hope and Lifetime Learning education tax credits.

What educational expenses are reported as "qualified tuition and related expenses"
on the 1098-T?

Included	Not Included
Graduate and Undergraduate Tuition Some student fees Assessment fees Enrollment fees Course fees	Residence hall charges Room & board Application fees Transcript fees Diploma fees Health Service fees Late fees

What if I Lost my 1098T?

You do not need to file the 1098T form with your tax return. All you need is the information that the form contains.

You can get the information by logging into Web4U. Just check your WWU Student Account Online page and a link is provided in the 1098-T section.

Why isn't there an amount in box 1?

The IRS instructs institutions to report either payments received (Box 1) or amounts billed for qualified tuition and related expenses (Box 2) on the 1098-T. Once an institution has selected one of these options, they cannot change reporting methods between calendar years without IRS permission. WWU reports qualified tuition and related expenses that were billed during the tax year (Box 2) and scholarships and grants, therefore, Box 1 – Payments Received for Qualified Tuition and Related Expenses, will be blank.

American Opportunity Tax Credit
blueline

This new education tax credit is available for 2009 through 2012 (expanded from the formerly existing Hope credit).

Applies to the first four years of post-secondary education
Tax credit of up to $2,500 of the cost of qualified tuition and related expenses paid during the taxable year
Based on 100% of the first $2,000, plus 25% of the next $2,000 of tuition, fees, and course materials paid during the taxable year
Qualified tuition and related expenses has been expanded to include expenditures for “course materials”
Eligibility is limited to taxpayers with adjusted gross income of $90,000 or less ($180,000 or less for joint filers)

Lifetime Learning Credit
blueline

The Lifetime Learning Credit may be claimed for the qualified tuition and related expenses of the students in the taxpayer's family (i.e., the taxpayer, the taxpayer's spouse, or an eligible dependent) who are enrolled in eligible educational institutions. The credit may be up to $2,000 for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education coursework taken to acquire or improve job skills.

Helpful Links
blueline