Salisbury University students on campus

The American Opportunity and Lifetime Learning Tax Credits (1098-T)

Explanation of IRS Form 1098-T

  • The IRS Form 1098-T is an information form filed with the Internal Revenue Service.
  • The IRS Form 1098-T that you received reports amounts paid for qualified tuition and related expenses, as well as other related information.
  • You, or the person who may claim you as a dependent, may be able to claim an education credit on Form 1040 for the qualified tuition and related expenses that were actually paid during the calendar year.
  • There is no need to attach Form 1098-T to your tax return.
  • There is no IRS requirement that you must claim an education credit. Claiming education tax benefits is a voluntary decision for those who may qualify.
  • The 1098-T tuition statement is used to calculate tax credit amounts for the American Opportunity and Lifetime Learning credits only. It is not intended for use to document expenses to calculate any other education tax benefits, including education savings account withdrawals.

Salisbury University will post 1098-T forms to GullNet by the IRS deadline for the release of the information, typically January 31st of the following calendar year. Forms will be printed and mailed, first class via USPS, by the same deadline for those who choose not to access the form on GullNet. Due to delivery issues within the USPS, please allow 3 weeks from the date of the IRS deadline before calling to request an additional paper copy of the form.

The Buckley Amendment

The Buckley Amendment, effective November 1974, prohibits the University from releasing student information to anyone other than the student. Electronic authorization via a FERPA release completed on GullNet or written authorization from the student must be provided for other interested parties. Written authorization can be emailed to 1098T@salisbury.edu or mailed to:

Financial Services
ATTN: American/Life Time
P.O. Box 2195
Salisbury, MD 21802-2195

Salisbury University is providing this information as a service to its students, but please keep in mind it is not an authority on taxation. Therefore, the University is not responsible for any misrepresentation of the IRS regulations. You should consult a tax advisor to determine if you qualify for the credit or for any other related questions.