1098-t Half-time not checked but student attended trade school for 10 of 12 months as full-time

Forum|Forum|3 years ago
March 20, 2023
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Hi my son attended Electrical trade school with a certificate program during 2022 from January till October (10 of the 12 months). The program started in October 2021 so during the 2021 tax year 3 of 12 months. On the 2021 1098-T tax form the check box for at least half time is not checked which was expected since he did not meet the 5 of 12 months threshold from the IRS but i was expecting this to be checked in 2022's 1098-T. Im attempting to ask the school to change this 1098-T in 2022 with a check mark for at least half time. This will make a difference which tax credit we can take so please let me know if you can help guide me.

mglauner

If box 8 on your form 1098-T is not checked, it means that according to your college records, you are not at least a half-time student.

This disqualifies you for the American Opportunity Credit of up to $2500. But you may be eligible for the Lifetime Learning Credit of up to $2000.

Here's more info on Education Credits.

@KE751

Hal_Al

Employee

It's not the number of months, in a year, that define full time or half time student. It's the number of hours in a week that the student attends class. Each school defines full time for their curriculum. "Full-time student" typically means a student who is scheduled to attend a minimum of twenty or more clock hours or twelve or more credit hours per week.

Even though the 1098-T is not checked for half time, the TT interview gives you a chance (after entering the 1098-T) to declare that you student is half time or more based on your understanding of his status.

KE751Author

Thanks for the response and guidance. I continued to work with the school as this student did meet the litmus test that you mentioned but they made an error and corrected the box to be checked.