Information Regarding the HOPE and Lifetime Learning Tax Credits

IRS Form 1098-T Calendar Year 2007
The IRS Form 1098-T that you received in year 2008 for calendar year 2007 is your notice from RTC that you or the person who claims you as a dependent may be eligible for an Education Tax Credit. There is no need to attach the 1098-T form to your tax return. Depending on individual circumstances, the amount listed on the 1098-T form may or may not be the correct amount to report on IRS Form 8863, Education Credits. It is important that you recalculate your out-of-pocket expenses for tuition to ensure that you receive any tax credit for which you are eligible. To claim the tax credit, you must complete IRS Form 8863 and file it with your tax return.

Retrieve your 1098T - Tuition Statement

Retrieve form 8863 from the IRS.  http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f8863.pdf

Background Information on the Education Tax Credits
Congress passed legislation in 1997 creating the opportunity for certain students or their parents to obtain a tax credit for tuition paid to attend a college or university. Congress has required that beginning with calendar year 1998, colleges and universities report both to the IRS and to students, certain information relating to their attendance at the college or university.

RTC cannot provide personal tax advice to students, as each student will be affected differently based on his or her individual circumstances. Taxpayers should contact their tax advisor for assistance in claiming the tax credit.

For authoritative information, please review IRS Publication 970, "Tax Benefits for Higher Education", at http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p970.pdf or call the IRS at 1-800-TAX-FORM (829-3676).

Additional information on Federal Tax Benefits for students and parents. http://www.nasfaa.org/annualpubs/taxbenefitsguideintrofaa.html