If I attended school in 2017-2018, but finished paying it off in 2020, what should I say my enrollment status is for my 2020 1098-T?

Forum|Forum|5 years ago
April 14, 2021
2 replies
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I attended a technical school in the 2017-2018 school year. I finally finished paying it off in 2020. My 1098-T has box 8 checked, I attended at least half-time. In 2017-2018, I was a full time student. However, I graduated in 2018. When Turbotax asks me "Was your enrollment status for 2020 at least half-time?" should I answer yes or no?

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MaryM428

You will answer No to that question. You amend your 2017 return and claim the money or amend 2018 if you were at school for half of 2018. If you amend 2017, the deadline to mail it is April 15, 2021. You claim the school expenses in the year that you were a student.

You generally must file an amended return within three years of the date you filed the original return or within two years after the date you paid the tax, whichever is later.

Hal_Al

Employee

Are you saying the school issue you a 2020 1098-T for paying off debt for your schooling back in 2017-18 and that you attended no classes in 2020?

You are not allowed to claim a deduction or credit for that situation, either on your 2020 return or by amending 2017 and/or 2018. The school was wrong to issue a 1098-T for 2020.