The Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997, enacted by Congress and the President, created two tax credits for families paying for higher education. These credits are named the American Opportunity (Hope) Credit and Lifetime Learning Credit. The benefits of these credits and other opportunities are further explained by accessing IRS Tax Benefits for Education. For even more detailed information, please consult IRS Publication 970: Tax Benefits for Education. Indiana University is unable to provide tax advice nor determine eligibility for these tax credits.
Annual Tuition Statement (Form 1098-T)
As an eligible educational institution, Indiana University is required by the Internal Revenue Service to file an annual Tuition Statement (Form 1098-T) for each student who is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident pursuing a degree, and for whom a reportable transaction is made (i.e., tuition, fees and any scholarships or grants received). Under Treas. Reg. §1.6050S-1(a)(2), Indiana University does not need to file Form 1098-T for the following:
- Students whose entire tuition and related expenses were paid under a "formal billing arrangement"
- Students who are nonresident aliens, unless requested and have completed FNIS (https://controller.iu.edu/services/students/fnis)
- Noncredit courses in which students are enrolled
The information filed with the IRS must contain the student’s Social Security number (SSN). Since Indiana University does not use a student’s SSN exclusively as his/her identification number, every student must complete Form W-9S (Request for Student or Borrower Social Security Number) during the first calendar year in which the student is enrolled. Please visit IU Knowledge Base for instructions on how this information may be updated electronically.
Additionally, this information may be submitted by completing IRS Form W-9S. Once completed, mail form W-9S to the following address:
Indiana University
Office of the University Controller
1024 E. 3rd Street, Room 132
Bloomington, IN 47405
In January of each year, eligible current students and former students (students with enrollment activity for the prior calendar year) will receive their individual Form 1098-T by mail or online. Students electing electronic delivery may access the online form by clicking Form 1098-T Electronic Access and following the instructions.
For more information, see Form 1098-T for general information and specific topics related to Form 1098-T.
Tax Credit Information Resources
The resources listed below contain information that may help individuals determine eligibility for tax credits: