The Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997 created income tax benefits for students attending an eligible educational institution with qualified education expenses. Taxpayers who pay qualified educational expenses at an eligible educational institution may qualify for the American Opportunity Credit, the Lifetime Learning Credit, or the Tuition and Fees Deduction. The Act requires eligible educational institutions to report certain enrollment and financial information on Form 1098-T to students and the Internal Revenue Service. However, the enrollment information by itself does not establish eligibility for either credit or deduction.

Indiana University is not permitted to provide tax advice or assistance to taxpayers in determining eligibility or calculation of the appropriate amount to claim for the education related income tax credits or deductions. Taxpayers should refer to IRS Publication 970, IRS Form 8863, or their personal tax advisor to determine if they qualify for an income tax benefit.

In accordance with the Privacy Act of 1974 and Indiana Code 4-1-8, enrolled students are advised that the requested disclosure of the Social Security number is voluntary. The IRS has created Form W-9S for use specifically in collecting an SSN from students. The tax office solicits students with a missing SSN during the fall to include this information on the form.

IRS guidance:

• Am I Eligible to claim an Education Credit?
• Tax Benefits for Education: Information Center