Correction on 1098-T Form

Paying for College
1

Hello. So I got an email about my 1098-T form, and when I logged in to see it, my name was incorrect on it.
Of course, my name was incorrect in the school record at the time, which caused this error on the form. I have updated my name at the record’s office recently, and my name has been updated in the school system. However, my name is still incorrect on the form, and both the record’s office and bursar’s office tell me that they can’t do anything about the form. They told me to contact a tax adviser for help, but I am not about to involve myself in that business.

I am not sure if the incorrect name is a significant issue. The error is that my first and middle name should simply be combined into a first name. All other information on the form is correct. Should I be concerned about this?

2

No. Don’t be worried at all. Even the SSA doesn’t care if you use your whole name or just a middle initial on forms. My daughter has a double first name (with a space) and a separate middle name. Has caused all kinds of problems. She had two files going at this university, two student numbers, two possibilities to mismatch files and paperwork every time something was sent in. IRS doesn’t care - it uses SSN to keep things straight.

3

I see. Thank you so much for your input. Sometimes, the school just leaves me in the dark, and I’m left with no help, but now I’m relieved.

4

Although universities are required by the IRS to provide a 1098-T to most students, they are not required to provide guidance on how the form is used … thankfully, says the financial aid director. :wink: That part is left to the tax professionals. Although I confess that I do end up providing guidance … with the caveat that I am NOT a tax professional.