1098-T

What is Form 1098-T?

Form 1098-T is an IRS document that helps students (or parents/guardians who claim them as dependents) determine eligibility for federal education tax credits or deductions.

  • Issued annually by January 31 for the prior calendar year.
  • Shows qualified tuition and related expenses (QTRE).
  • May be used to claim tax benefits such as the American Opportunity Credit or Lifetime Learning Credit.

Delivery Options

  • Electronic Delivery (Recommended)
    • Once you consent, all future 1098-T forms will be delivered electronically until you withdraw consent.
    • Sign up by December 31 each year.
    Benefits of Electronic Delivery
    • Faster access to your form
    • No risk of mail delays or lost forms
    • Secure online access at any time
    • Simple one-time consent setup
  • Paper Copy 
  • Automatically mailed if you do not give electronic consent.

How to Access Your 1098-T

  1. Go to Heartland ECSI
  2. Click Tax Documents - Search for Your Tax Form
  3. Enter 91ΧΤΕΔ as your school.
  4. Provide your First & Last Name, SSN/ITIN, and ZIP Code (must match my.SMU).
  5. Verify security check - Continue.

Need help? Contact ECSI at 1-866-428-1098.

Important Notes

  • Your SSN/ITIN must be updated in my.SMU for IRS reporting.
    • SMU is obligated by federal law (Section 6109 of the IRS code) to request your SSN/ITIN.
    • Updates are handled by the Registrar’s Office.
    • Forms: SSN/ITIN Change Request- W9S
    • SSN/ITIN deadline December 17.
    • IRS does impose a penalty for not supplying or an incorrect SSN/ITIN.

  • Non-Resident Students:
    • 1098-T is only issued if SSN/ITIN is on file by the tax year deadline.
    • If your U.S. citizenship/residency status changes, submit documentation to the Registrar.

  • SMU cannot provide tax advice.
    • For help with deductions/credits, consult or a tax professional.
    • More info:

Contact Information

  • ECSI Customer Service 1-866-428-1098
  • SMU Registrar’s Office: registrar@smu.edu
  • SMU Compliance sftaxcmpl@smu.edu

 

Frequently Asked Questions about the Form 1098-T

Possible reasons: no SSN/ITIN on file, non-resident status, or no reportable tuition payments for the tax year.

  • Verify your SSN/ITIN and address in my.SMU. For corrections, contact the Registrar’s Office.

  • Please note that the data used is for the calendar year not academic year and only uses qualified tuition and related expenses (QTRE). QTRE does not include room and board charges.

 No. You’ll also need personal payment records, as the form only includes certain IRS-qualified expenses.

No. SMU only provides the form. Please consult the IRS or a tax advisor for eligibility.

  • Qualified tuition and required fees.
  • Not included: housing, meals, insurance, transportation, parking, or medical costs.