IRS Form 1098-T Information and FAQs - Education Tax Benefits

Sep 19, 2026

IRS Form 1098-T explains payments received for qualified tuition and related expenses (QTRE) and the related reporting responsibilities. It helps eligible taxpayers, including students or dependents, determine potential education tax benefits. The information clarifies what QTRE includes and excludes under IRS rules, how amounts may differ from actual payments, and where to review payments and amounts. It also provides guidance that taxability and eligibility must be determined by the taxpayer and references IRS Publication 970.

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CategoryForms

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Pages4

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IRS Form 1098-T Overview

QTRE Definition and Exclusions

Reporting Requirements

Education Tax Benefits and Eligibility

How to Use 1098-T Amounts

Payments Timing vs. Box Amounts

Determining QTRE Amounts

Getting Assistance

1098-T Box-by-Box FAQs

Box 1 Payments

Box 2 Reserved

Box 4 Adjustments

Box 5 Scholarships or Grants

Box 6 Adjustments

Box 7 and Box 8 Indicators

Information and FAQs about IRS Form 1098-T The Internal Revenue Service ( IRS) Form 1098-T is a statement of payments received by the University the Maine System (the University) from any source for qualified tuition and related expenses (QTRE) . QTRE includes tuition charges as well as mandatory course fees such as lab fees, technology fees, and general fees. Room, board, and health insurance fees are not included in QTRE as determined by IRS regulations. IRS regulations require that all eligible institutions receiving payments for QTRE must provide a 1098-T form to each of those students. The University must also file the same information with the IRS for these students. The 1098-T is provided to help eligible taxpayers determine if they are eligible for various education tax benefits. An eligible taxpayer may be the student or, if the student is a dependent for federal income tax purposes, the person (e.g. , parent or other person) claiming the student as a dependent. Qualified expenditures are eligible for various tax benefits. For instance, the American Opportunity Tax Credit can be worth up to 100% of the first $2,000 of qualified expenditures, plus 25% of the next $2,000! The University may not give tax advice. But, we can tell you where to find the necessary information you will need to help determine your eligible education tax benefits. 1. The credit is based on payments made to the University during the calendar year. However, amounts reported on the 1098-T will most likely be different than the amount you actually paid during the year. So, you will need to determine when you made your payments on your student account. To view your student account, login to MaineStreet ( [https://mainestreet.maine.edu](https://mainestreet.maine.edu)), select Self-Service > Student Center > under the Finances section, select the Account Activity link. On the Account Activity page, select the appropriate dates to determine your payments made during the tax year. Here you can view charges, payments and refunds for a specific timeframe. If you need help with this, you may contact your campus. 2. You will also need to know how much your payments were for QTRE for the calendar year. You may need to look at the box details on your prior year 1098-T for your Spring Term amounts. If you consent to receive your 1098-T electronically, you can see the details of the amounts in each box. For information about accessing your 1098-T forms online, go to Accessing 1098-T Self Service at: University of Maine System 1098-T Information. 3. If you need help accessing your information, you may contact your campus for assistance. UM – 207-581-1521 UMPI – 207-768-9545 UMF – 207-778-7254 UMA – 207-621-3412 UMM – 207-255-1312 UMFK – 207-834-7553 USM – 207-780-4888 NOTE: The reporting of tuition, fees, scholarships, grants and adjustments do not determine the tax benefit or taxability of these amounts being reported; it is the student’s responsibility to determine the taxability of scholarships and grants or the tax credits available. If you are unsure about your tax eligibility/responsibility or have any questions, you should consult with a qualified tax preparer or advisor. You may also consult IRS Publication 970, Tax Benefits for Education at ([http://www.irs.gov/publications/p970/index.html](http://www.irs.gov/publications/p970/index.html)) . FAQs Q1: What do the boxes on the 1098-T form represent? A:1 Box 1 Payments received for qualified tuition and related expenses: includes the total amount of payments received for qualified tuition and related expenses (QTRE) from ALL sources during the calendar year. It does not include payments for books, supplies or equipment needed for a course of study. The amount reported is the total amount of payments received less any reimbursements or refunds made during the calendar year that relate to the payments received for QTRE during the same calendar year. Also, included

FAQs

What does IRS Form 1098-T report for qualified tuition and related expenses (QTRE)?

It reports payments received for QTRE from all sources during the calendar year, including relevant totals after reimbursements or refunds. It excludes payments for books, supplies, and equipment needed for a course of study.

How can the amounts on 1098-T differ from what a student actually paid during the year?

The credit is based on payments made during the calendar year, but 1098-T box amounts may differ from the amount paid. Students need to review their student account payments and determine timing for the tax year.

Does reporting on 1098-T determine whether education benefits are available or whether amounts are taxable?

No. The reporting of tuition, fees, scholarships, grants, and adjustments does not determine taxability or the tax benefit. It remains the student’s responsibility to determine eligibility and consult IRS Publication 970 or a qualified tax advisor.

Sep 19, 2026

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