1098T Available Online

Montclair State University has partnered with Heartland ECSI, offering you the opportunity to receive your 1098-T Tuition Statement electronically.

Qualified Tuition Reported in Box 1

As a reminder, in previous years, your 1098-T included a figure in Box 2 that represented the qualified tuition and related expenses (QTRE) we billed to your Montclair State University student account for the calendar year. Due to a change to institutional reporting requirements under federal law, beginning with tax year 2018, we now report in Box 1, the amount of QTRE you paid during the calendar year.

Why the Change?

Based on a report compiled by the US Inspector General for Tax Administration, it was determined there were a large number of errors as it relates to educational tax credits. The majority of these errors were caused by confusion regarding Box 2 (amounts billed) reporting. This change eliminates this confusion and the potential for inaccuracies on 1098-T forms going forward.

What Does that Mean for You?

This means that you will no longer see any amounts in Box 2 (Amounts billed for qualified tuition and related expenses) on your 1098-T form. You will, however, see an amount in Box 1 (Payments received for qualified tuition and related expenses).

Payments received by Montclair State University from January 1, 2020 through December 31, 2020, regardless of the term paid, will be included in your 1098T calculation unless payments exceed charges. MSU cannot report payments that surpass qualified expenses for the current tax year. View a sample 1098-T form with box/section explanations. Get instructions on how to retrieve your electronic 1098T.

No Social Security Number?

If you do not have a Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) on file with Montclair State, a 1098-T, for the calendar year of 2020, will not be created for you.

Changed Your Social Security Info?

If you recently changed your social security you must fill out the Social Security form with the Registrar’s office. Upload this form with a notarized copy of your Social Security card, plus one of the following: a notarized copy of your government issued ID card, a driver’s license or Passport, via Filehawk. Use “Registrarforms” as your recipient NetID when uploading your information via Filehawk.

Questions?

• Call ECSI at 1-866-428-1098 with questions about your 1098T tax document. Customer Advocates are available Monday to Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 8 p.m. Eastern Time.
• Live chat with a customer service advocate! Monday to Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 8 p.m., or Saturday, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m..
• For FAQs and helpful resources, visit the Montclair State 1098T web page.

Please be advised, Montclair State University cannot determine if you are eligible for educational tax credits, nor identify the amount of the credit for which you may qualify. Please consult your tax professional for assistance. IRS Publication 970, Tax Benefits for Education, IRS Form 8863, Education Credits, Instructions for 1098T, Interactive Tax Assistant (ITA), Education Credits all provide details on claiming these tax credits.