1098-T Student FAQ
Effective Date: 1/31/12
Purpose: To provide students with responses to frequently asked questions regarding the 1098-T. Any additional questions should be
directed to your Student Advisor.
1.
What is a 1098-T?
Colleges and universities are required by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to provide each eligible student with a 1098-T. This
document contains important tax information that is also provided to the IRS. The document is used to assist students and their
families in computing any tax credit or deduction they may be able to claim. Please consult with a tax professional for detailed
information on Tax Benefits for education and assistance in determining which benefits you may qualify for.
2.
How can I get a copy of this or last year’s 1098-T?
Please use the instructions below:
a.
b.
c.
d.
Log into the Student Portal;
Click on “My Finances” tab;
Click “View my 1098-T” link; and
Select the year you want to print.
If you have any difficulties printing your 1098-T, please ensure that you have Adobe Acrobat installed in your computer. You can
download a free version of Adobe Acrobat from the internet. If you still have problems, please contact your Student Advisor (SA).
3.
I received my 1098-T in the mail, but misplaced it. What can I do?
You can log into the Student Portal and print a copy of the 1098-T by following the instructions in question #2.
4.
Why didn’t I get a paper copy of last year’s 1098-T?
There may be several reasons you did not receive a paper copy of last year’s 1098-T . Here are a few examples:
a.
b.
c.
A student who has not consented to receive an electronic copy will be mailed a paper copy. If the student consented to
have it sent “electronically” in the Student Portal, will only have access to print a 1098-T via the Student Portal. You can
check with your Student Advisor (SA) to verify your indicated delivery method.
We don’t have your most current address.
Ashford University is not required to provide a 1098-T to individuals whose qualified tuition and related expenses are
waived or paid with scholarships, Tuition Reimbursement, and/or the tuition charges that equal zero.
5.
Do I have to provide consent each year?
No. The consent option to have your 1098-T electronically delivered via the Student Portal or consent to have it mailed will remain in
effect for each year you are charged tuition and/or fees. You have the ability to change your consent option at any time by contacting
your Student Advisor (SA). The most recent consent that is on file will be the method of delivery for your 1098-T.
6.
When will the 1098-T link become available on the Student Portal?
If you are eligible for a 1098-T and consented to have your 1098-T delivered “electronically” via the Student Portal, an email
notification will be sent to you when the link becomes available. You can expect to receive this email on or around January 31, 2012.
7.
What educational expenses are considered qualified tuition and related expenses?
The educational expenses include, but are not limited to:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
Tuition;
Course Digital Material (CDM);
Graduation Fee;
Technology Services Fee; and/or
Education Partnership Fee, if applicable.
Proprietary Information of Bridgepoint Education, Inc. - For Internal Use Only – 1/6/12
8.
Why is Box 1 empty?
The IRS instructs institutions to report either Payments Received (Box 1) or Amounts Billed for qualified tuition and related expenses
(Box 2). Ashford University reports information in Box 2 which includes Amounts Billed for qualified tuition and related expenses. Box 1
is intentionally left blank.
9.
What other boxes does Ashford University report to the IRS?
Ashford University reports on boxes 2, 4, 5, and 6.
a. Box 2 shows amounts billed for qualified tuition and related expenses.
b. Box 4 shows any adjustments made for a prior year for qualified tuition and related expenses (e.g., a transaction that
posted in the tax year that is a credit for a charge made in a previous year).
c. Box 5 lists scholarships or grants including:
i. Pell Grant, FSEOG;
ii. Scholarships;
iii. Outside sponsored awards; and/or
iv. Employer Payments, if applicable.
b. Box 6 shows adjustments to scholarships or grants for a prior year (e.g., a refund that posted in the tax year that relates
to a transaction from a previous tax year).
10. What is Ashford University’s school tax ID#?
Ashford’s school tax ID number is 20-2076985.
11. I can’t view my copy of the 1098-T, what can I do?
If you have trouble viewing your copy of the 1098-T, please ensure you have the most up to date version of Adobe Acrobat installed by
clicking the link: http://get.adobe.com/reader/
12. What if I still have questions about my 1098-T?
Please contact your Student Advisor (SA).
Proprietary Information of Bridgepoint Education, Inc. - For Internal Use Only – 1/6/12