Do you qualify for student tax credits?
Before filing your taxes, see if you might qualify for student income tax credits and find the forms you need.
Common credits and deductions
American Opportunity Credit
This credit may be available to students during the first four years of postsecondary education. It can help cover tuition, required fees, and course materials.
Lifetime Learning Credit
This credit may be available for students at any academic level for qualified tuition and related expenses. It may also apply to courses taken to acquire or improve job skills.
Tuition and Fees Deduction
This deduction has been available in some tax years and discontinued in others. Students should review current IRS guidelines or consult a tax professional for the most up-to-date information.
Please note: IU Northwest does not provide tax advice. You should consult a qualified tax professional or review IRS Publication 970 for detailed guidance regarding federal tax benefits.
The tax form you’ll need: 1098‑T
If you qualify for one of the credits, you’ll need to include a Form 1098-T each year when you file your taxes.
You may choose to receive the 1098‑T electronically for quick and convenient access. Log into and search for "1098‑T" to review or update your electronic consent.
Who will receive a 1098‑T?
You will generally receive a 1098‑T if you paid eligible tuition and fees out of pocket. Students whose tuition was paid fully by scholarships, grants, or third-party sponsors may not receive a form. The 1098‑T is issued annually by January 31.
For additional details regarding 1098‑T preparation and federal reporting, visit the .
Qualified education expenses
Qualified education expenses typically include:
- Tuition
- Mandatory university fees
- Required course materials
Expenses that are not considered qualified include:
- Room and board
- Transportation
- Insurance
- Equipment or supplies not required for enrollment or attendance
- Personal or living expenses
See for a complete list of qualified and non-qualified expenses.
Contact us
If you have questions about your student account, billing, or accessing your 1098‑T form, please contact the IU Northwest Office of Student Accounts.
Office of Student Accounts
IU Northwest 3400 Broadway
Hawthorn Hall, Room 109
Gary, Indiana 46408
Phone: 219-981-5626 or toll free (888) YOUR-IUN (968-7486)
Email: rdhksc@iu.edu
Tax resources
Obtaining your IRS tax transcript
If you need a copy of your IRS tax transcript for financial aid, verification, or personal records, the IRS provides several convenient ways to access it. A tax transcript shows most line items from your federal tax return as filed with the IRS.
You may request your transcript directly from the IRS using one of the following options:
- Get transcript online — Allows immediate access after identity verification.
- Get transcript by mail — The IRS will mail your transcript to the address on file within 5–10 days.
- Request by phone — Call the IRS automated line at 800-908-9946.
What you’ll need
For online access, you’ll need to verify your identity using information such as:
- A valid email address
- Your Social Security number
- A personal account number from a financial institution
- A mobile phone in your name
Types of transcripts available
Common transcript types include:
- Tax return transcript – Shows most lines from your original return. Frequently used for financial aid verification.
- Tax account transcript – Shows basic tax return data, amended return adjustments, and account balance.
