Bean asked:
I received my 1098-T letter (mailed to me on 3/20/06) after I filed last year (2005), because the school included my Spring 2006 term on my 1098-T statement. (Apparently, that’s how they do it.) As I prepare my taxes this year (2006) can I claim the tuition this year as I didn’t claim it last year? I registered in 2005, but the classes started in January 2006…
I received my 1098-T letter (mailed to me on 3/20/06) after I filed last year (2005), because the school included my Spring 2006 term on my 1098-T statement. (Apparently, that’s how they do it.) As I prepare my taxes this year (2006) can I claim the tuition this year as I didn’t claim it last year? I registered in 2005, but the classes started in January 2006…
Do I need to re-file last year’s taxes with the updated amount? Or should I put the amount towards this year, and save the forms that say “Begins in 2006″? We are talking about 5K that I’d like to get some cash back for…
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
If you qualify to claim the Tuition and Fees deduction, you would want to file an amended return for tax year 2005. You can only claim this adjustment to income in the year paid.
Read thru chapter 6 of the Publication 970 to see if you qualify first.
Pub 970
or call 1-800-829-1040 to speak with a representative who can help determine if you qualify to claim it.
When did you actually pay the bill? Keep in mind that if you charged it to a credit card, the day you did that is considered the date of payment.
The school should be including payments on your 1098-T for the year in which they were paid, which isn’t necessarily the year when the classes were attended.
You would use the 1098-T for the year it’s dated. You can file an amendment to your 2005 return if that benefits you.