Form 1098-T

John Jay College's Federal Tax ID #: 13-3893536
 

1. What is the Form 1098-T?

The Form 1098-T is used by eligible educational institutions to report information about their students to the IRS as required by the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997.  Eligible educational institutions are required to submit the student’s name, address, taxpayer’s identification number (TIN), and enrollment/academic status.

2. How is the form issued?

The Form 1098-T is issued to John Jay College students who pay tuition and fees between January 1st – December 31st of each calendar year.  The form is mailed to the student’s address listed on their CUNYfirst account on January 31st for the prior calendar year.  Students can also obtain the form electronically from their CUNYfirst account by clicking "Student Center," then "Financial Account," then "View 1098-T."

To opt into paperless forms, follow the same steps & then select "Grant Consent."  The benefits of going paperless for the Form 1098-T are: (1) Online delivery provides access to the Form 1098-T earlier than the traditional mailing process; (2) Eliminates the chances of the Form 1098-T being lost, delayed, or misplaced; and (3) Safer & more secure.

3. What educational expenses qualify under the Form 1098-T?

✔ Tuition and student fees are included only if paid to the institution as a condition of enrollment and attendance within the applicable tax year.

✘ Books, transportation, housing, meal plans, and no-credit courses do not quality.

4. Does the Form 1098-T guarantee that I will receive a tax credit/refund for what I paid?

This form does NOT guarantee eligibility for educational tax credits.  Entitlement is determined by the tax preparer/IRS. 

5. Does everyone get the Form 1098-T?

The City University of New York does not release a 1098-T to students who are not eligible.  Below are some common examples of the 1098-T reporting for tuition/fees that are BILLED and PAID in the TAX FILING year:

  • ✔ The 1098-T may be reported for tuition/fees that are paid IN FULL by the STUDENT (cash, check, money order, payment plan or student loans).
     
  • ✘ The 1098-T may NOT be reported for tuition/fees paid IN FULL by FINANCIAL AID (TAP, Pell, SEOG, SEEK, scholarship or sponsor).

6. I am not eligible for the 1098-T, but my tax preparer is asking for one.  Can I provide my receipts/tuition statement? 

Receipts or tuition statements (bills) may not be provided to a tax preparer or the IRS as proof of out-of-pocket payments.  Erroneously using these documents to claim tuition benefits may cause you to be audited.  The only approved form to claim educational tax credits is the Form 1098-T.  The City University of New York is only required to send Form 1098-T to eligible students. You are still able to file your taxes without Form 1098-T; however, you will be unable to claim educational tax credits as it pertains to John Jay College.

Students may share this informational webpage to their tax preparer.