1098-T TAX FORM

 — Frequently Asked Questions
 

Q: What is Form 1098-T?
A: Form 1098-T is a tax information form that eligible educational institutions provide each year. It reports qualified tuition and related expenses a student pays so the student—or someone who claims the student as a dependent (e.g., a parent)—may be able to claim certain education tax benefits.

Q: How can I receive my 1098-T electronically?
A: Yes. Starting this year, Graduate America will deliver 1098-T forms electronically through STARS. You will log in using your student portal credentials. Once logged in, you can view, download, and print your form year-round.

Q: When will the 1098-T be available?
A:

Electronic Forms: Available in STARS during the first week of January.
Paper Forms: If you have not opted in electronically, paper copies will be mailed within the same week the school receives them, and no later than January 31 (IRS deadline).

Q: What mailing address will be used for the paper copy?
A: Paper forms are mailed to the address on file at the school. For 2025, mailing will be processed through the Addison campus.

To update your mailing address:

Update directly in your student portal, or
Contact Anh Nguyen in Financial Aid (a.nguyen@ga.edu) to update manually.

Q: Who receives a 1098-T?
A: All students who made qualified tuition and fee payments to the school and who have provided a valid Social Security Number (SSN) or Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN).

Exclusions:

International students without an SSN/TIN.
Students whose tuition/fees were entirely employer-paid or otherwise not paid directly to the school.
Note: Students without a valid SSN/TIN may request a statement of total payments instead of a 1098-T.

Q: What is included in Box 1 (Payments Received)?
A: Box 1 reports payments received for qualified tuition and related fees, including:

Tuition and registration/enrollment fees.
Late fees paid by the student.
Payments made with Pell Grants, loans, or other direct payments to the school.

Excluded from Box 1:
Expenses not paid directly to the school.
Charges covered by the school at its own expense.

Q: What is included in Box 5 (Scholarships & Grants)?
A: Box 5 includes all scholarships, grants, institutional aid, discounts, and waivers that reduce the student’s tuition/fee obligation. This includes Pell Grants, other federal or state grants, external scholarships, and any internal discounts provided by Graduate America.

Q: If I paid tuition with student loans, will it appear in Box 1?
A: Yes. Loan disbursements applied toward tuition and fees are reported in Box 1 as payments received. Example: If a $5,000 loan is disbursed and $3,000 is applied to tuition, then $3,000 will be reported in Box 1.

Q: How does financial aid affect my taxes?
A:

Pell Grants/Scholarships: These are reported in Box 5 and reduce the amount of tuition you can claim toward education tax credits. In some cases, they may be taxable if used for non-qualified expenses (like housing).

Loans: Loan funds used for tuition can still be used to claim tax credits, up to the eligible paid amount.

Q: Who do I contact if my form has errors or is missing?
A: Please contact:
Anh Nguyen, Financial Aid Administrator
📧 a.nguyen@ga.edu
📞 972-530-1103

Q: Do I need to attach the 1098-T to my tax return?
A: No. The IRS does not require you to attach Form 1098-T to your return, but you should keep it for your records. Use the information on the form when completing IRS Form 8863 (Education Credits) or other related tax forms.

Q: What is the deadline to opt in for electronic delivery?
A: Graduate America is confirming STARS’ exact opt-in deadline for electronic delivery. Students will be notified by email when the date is finalized. If you do not opt in by the deadline, a paper copy will be mailed to your address on file.

Q: Where can I find additional resources or help?
A:

IRS Publication 970: Tax Benefits for Education
IRS Form 8863: Education Credits
Graduate America Financial Aid Office: a.nguyen@ga.edu | 972-530-1103