1098-T Information

The federal government has established two tax credits intended “to help you offset the costs of higher education by reducing the amount of your income tax. They are the American opportunity credit and the lifetime learning credit.” (IRS Pub 970). Full information concerning these tax credits may be obtained from the Internal Revenue Service. In order to assist taxpayers in claiming these tax credits Washburn University annually provides each enrolled student with a 1098-T form that supplies part of the information required to complete the necessary tax forms. The 1098-T form is mailed before the end of January by ECSI, a firm Washburn uses to assist in complying with 1098-T requirements. Additional copies are available on the Financial Services tab of MyWashburn.

Information provided on the 1098-T form 

Box 2  Amounts billed for qualified tuition and related expenses 

• The IRS defines this as “tuition, fees, and course materials required for a student to be enrolled at or attend an eligible educational institution.” Please note that housing costs and books are not included in this amount.

Box 4 Adjustments made for a prior year

• If there is a change in enrollment information that creates a change in billed tuition after the previous year’s 1098-T was generated that amount will be recorded here

Box 5 Scholarships or grants

• The IRS defines this as “all payments received from 3rd parties (excluding family members and loan proceeds). This includes payments received from governmental and private entities such as the Department of Defense, civic, and religious organizations, and nonprofit entities.”

Box 6 Adjustments to scholarships or grants for a prior year

• If there is a change in scholarship information that creates a change in recorded payments after the previous year’s 1098-T was generated that amount will be recorded here

Additionally, there may be information regarding the student's enrollment status during the tax year.

Please be aware that Washburn University cannot give tax advice. We refer taxpayers to the IRS or a qualified tax professional who understands IRS regulations and the taxpayer’s individual circumstances.