Should I file this 1098-T form. I was on student visa the whole year. What is 1098T?

Form 1098-T is used to document tuition paid by students for the IRS, so they know how much the student can claim for the Education Credits.

Since you are a non-resident alien, you cannot claim any Education Credit or deduction.

SO you cannot use the Form 1098-T.

Dear Atlanta Tax Expert,

What about international students who file as resident aliens? I have been on an H-1B since 2001 and switched to an F-1 in September 2005. Since I pass the substantial presence test, I was filing as a resident alien. In that case, I should be able to take the Lifetime Educational Credit, correct? I did receive a 1098-T from my university.

Thanks in advance.

KrissKross:

Yes, you can claim the Education Credit because you will be filing as a resident alien.

Atlanta Tax Expert,

Thank you for your advice!

Regards,

krisskross

Glad to help!