1098-T Tuition Statement

Purpose

As an eligible educational institution, Rice University is required by the Internal Revenue Service to file an annual Tuition Statement (Form 1098-T) for each student who is a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or resident alien pursuing a degree, and for whom a reportable transaction is made (payments toward qualified tuition and related expenses, and any scholarships or grants received). This information is provided to assist taxpayers in determining eligibility for claiming Education Tax Credits or Deductions enacted by the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997.

Exceptions to Reporting

Under Treas. Reg. §1.6050S-1(a)(2), Rice University is not required to create 1098-T forms for the following:

  • Students whose entire qualified tuition and related expenses were waived or paid for with a scholarship
  • Students whose entire qualified tuition and related expenses were paid under a "formal billing arrangement"
  • Nonresident aliens, except upon request
  • The noncredit courses in which a student is enrolled

Reporting Update

Beginning with the 2018 calendar/tax reporting year, the IRS now requires that institutions report the amount of tuition and other qualified charges paid by all sources rather than the amounts billed. Box 1 of the new 1098-T form will show all payments (including scholarships, loans and other third-party payments) toward qualified charges from any source. Box 2 will be blank.

When we Issue

IRS Form 1098-T is required to be post-marked by January 31st each year. These forms will be either delivered to students through electronic delivery or through traditional mail delivery. Students choosing electronic delivery will receive the form earlier through Esther and will be notified by email when the form is available to retrieve.

Students who have not consented for electronic delivery will be mailed a paper version of Form 1098-T to the Student Mailing Address listed in university records as of December 31st. Students can receive a duplicate copy through Esther once the forms are printed.

Social Security Numbers

The IRS requires the student’s social security number be printed on 1098-T forms.

The Office of the Registrar processes all student Social Security Number/Tax Payer Identification Number changes. To update your SSN or TIN on record, you must present the following to the Office of the Registrar, 116 Allen Center:

Please remember to never e-mail your Social Security Number.

Useful Information

What is IRS Form 1098-T?

It is an informational form filed with the Internal Revenue Service to report the amounts paid by you for qualified tuition, related expenses, and other related information. The primary purpose of the IRS Form 1098‐T is to inform you that we have provided this required information to the IRS.

Why did I receive a 1098-T?

You may be able to take either the tuition and fees deduction or claim an education credit on Form1040 or 1040A for the qualified tuition and related expenses that were actually paid during the calendar year.

What am I supposed to do with the Form 1098-T?

Unfortunately, the Bursar's Office cannot provide tax advice, so we suggest that you contact your tax advisor if you have specific questions related to your tax requirements and responsibilities. We can, however, inform you that you are not required to attach IRS Form 1098‐T to your tax return, but advise to keep it for your records.

How do I access my 1098-T online?

Follow these instructions to view and print your form electronically:
1. Log into Esther with your NetID and Password.
2. Under Students, select Students - Account Summary and Financial Aid > Bill Payment Suite.
3. Once in the Payment Suite, select My Account > Statements > 1098-T Tax Statements > View.

Why does this form not match the total amounts that I paid to the University?

Rice University is required to report payment amounts that applied only to qualified tuition and related expenses. This may be less than the total of payments made to the University if part of those payments also paid charges other than qualified tuition and related expenses. Also, keep in mind that the amounts posted on the form are reported on a calendar year format and not an academic year.

Why wasn't the form mailed?

You have consented to receive your form online, and the form is made available through the Payment Suite in Esther or Heartland ECSI's website. A paper copy can be requested by contacting the Bursar's Office at 713-348-4946 or bursar@rice.edu.

Why did I NOT receive an IRS Form 1098-T?

Under Treas. Reg. §1.6050S-1(a)(2), Rice University is not required to create the 1098-T forms for the following:

  • Students whose financial aid is more than tuition and fees paid
  • Students whose entire tuition and related expenses were paid under a "formal billing arrangement"
  • Students who are nonresident aliens, unless specifically requested
  • The noncredit courses in which students are enrolled
My personal information (name, address, TIN, SSN...) is incorrect. What should I do?

This was obtained from information provided to Rice University. Please contact the Office of the Registrar at 713‐348‐4999 or registrar@rice.edu if any changes need to be made.

What does the amount in Box 1 represent?

This box shows the total payments received during the tax year from any source applied to qualified tuition and related expenses, less any refunds made that relate to those payments received.

What is included in qualified tuition and related expenses?

  • Tuition and fees required for enrollment
  • Books and supplies, if required to be paid to Rice University

BUT NOT -

  • Personal expenses such as room and board, insurance, medical expenses (including student health fees), recreation center fees, transportation, and similar expenses, regardless of whether the fee is required for enrollment
  • Expenses for courses involving sports, games, or hobbies (unless part of a degree program)
What does the amount in Box 4 represent?

This box shows any adjustment made for a prior year for qualified tuition and related expenses that were reported on a prior year Form 1098‐T. This amount may reduce any allowable education credit that you claimed for the prior year (may result in an increase in tax liability for the year of the refund).

What does the amount in Box 5 represent?

This box shows the total of all scholarships or grants administered and processed by the eligible educational institution. The amount of scholarships or grants for the calendar year (including those not reported by the institution) may reduce the amount of the education credit you claim for the year.

What does the amount in Box 6 represent?

This box shows any adjustments to scholarships or grants for a prior year. This amount may affect the amount of any allowable tuition and fees deduction or education credit that you claimed for the prior year. You may have to file an amended income tax return (Form 1040X) for the prior year.

What does a check in Box 7 represent?

This box is checked when amounts reported in Box 1 include amounts for an academic period beginning January‐March of the following tax year. See Pub. 970 for how to report these amounts. Please note: Amounts reported in Box 1 at Rice University represents payments applied to qualified tuition and related expenses that occurred within the reporting tax year only, and will not include amounts for academic periods in future tax reporting years. (e.g., payments received in December 2020 to be applied Spring 2021 will not warrant a check in Box 7 as Spring 2021 qualified tuition and related expenses will be the reportable calculation in Box 1 of the 2021 IRS Form 1098-T).

Why does a check in Box 8 represent?

This shows that you are considered to be carrying at least one‐half the normal full‐time work load for your course of study at the reporting institution.

Why does a check in Box 9 represent?

This shows that you are considered to be enrolled in a program leading to a graduate degree, graduate level certificate, or other recognized graduate‐level educational credential.

The Bursar's Office cannot provide any tax advice, and can only confirm and explain what we have reported. For more information about your ability to claim a tax deduction or tax credit, contact a tax professional. Also, you can visit the Internal Revenue Service’s web site at www.irs.gov. IRS Publication 970, “Tax Benefits for Education,” and IRS Bulletin 2006-72 are good resources for information on this topic.

If you have reviewed the 1098-T documentation and believe the transaction amounts on the 1098-T are incorrect, please email bursar@rice.edu and include your Rice ID in the email.