1098-T

What is the Form 1098-T?

The Form 1098-T is a tuition statement that indicates the total amount paid for tuition and qualified educational expenses for the entire calendar year. This tax document is issued annually to determine if students (or their parents) are eligible for an education tax credit under the Tax Relief Act of 1997.

Who is eligible for the Form 1098-T?

Students who made out-of-pocket payments toward qualified tuition and related educational expenses for a given calendar year are eligible to receive the Form 1098-T.

Students are not eligible for the Form 1098-T under the following circumstances:

• The amount received in grants, scholarships, and/or third-party payments meet or exceed their total qualified tuition and related educational expenses
• The amount of out-of-pocket payments made for qualified tuition and related educational expenses is less than or equal to the total amount received in grants, scholarships, or third-party payments for the particular calendar year
• There are no out-of-pocket payments made for qualified tuition and related educational expenses for the particular calendar year

When will I receive my Form 1098-T?

The 1098-T form will be available electronically to all eligible students via CUNYfirst by January 31 as required by federal law. The form will be mailed out to students that have not opted to receive paperless forms by January 31.

How can I access my Form 1098-T?

• To access your Form 1098-T, log on to CUNYfirst
• Select the "Student Center" tile
• Next, select the "Financial Account" tile from your Student Center
• Click "View 1098-T" from the listed menu options; make sure that your pop-up blocker is disabled
• Under the "1098-T Report Selection" section, click the appropriate Tax Year hyperlink to view your Form 1098-T

If there is no hyperlink present for a specified Tax Year, you are not be eligible for the Form 1098-T. If you have questions about the status of your Form 1098-T, please e-mail the Office of the Bursar to review your account.

How can I sign up to receive my Form 1098-T electronically once it becomes available?

• To receive an electronic Form 1098-T, log on to CUNYfirst
• Select the "Student Center" tile
• Next, select the "Financial Account" tile from your Student Center
• Click "View 1098-T" from the listed menu options
• Select "Grant Consent;" by providing consent, you will receive an electronic Form 1098-T instead of a paper form sent through the mail

Please note that once you complete these steps you will be able to access your document electronically for future tax years without any further action.

Educational Expenses (Qualified vs. Not Qualified)

Qualified educational expenses include in-state or out-of-state tuition charges, along with other eligible student fees, such as Technology fees, Student Activity fees, Consolidated fees, and Change of Program fees.

Non-qualified educational expenses include late registration fees, late payment fees, room and board (or similar living expenses), transportation, meals, books, family expenses, courses taken for no credit (unless taken to improve job skills), insurance, medical expenses, or expenses paid during a different calendar year.

More 1098-T FAQs

Additional questions? Please contact the Office of the Bursar for more information.