Understanding the 1098-T Form at Northeastern University
Northeastern University, like all eligible educational institutions, is required to provide students with the 1098-T form annually. This informational document is crucial for students and their families when filing taxes, as it contains details about qualified tuition and related expenses paid during the calendar year (January through December). This article provides a comprehensive guide to understanding the 1098-T form specifically within the context of Northeastern University, covering everything from accessing the form to interpreting its contents.
What is the 1098-T Form?
The 1098-T form, formally known as the Tuition Statement, is an annual informational document mandated by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for all eligible educational institutions. Northeastern University, in compliance with IRS regulations, prepares this form for each eligible student. The form reports payments toward qualified tuition and related expenses, along with any scholarships or grants received by the student. It's important to note that the 1098-T statement is for informational purposes only and does not definitively determine eligibility for a tax credit.
Accessing Your 1098-T Form at Northeastern University
Northeastern University partners with Heartland ECSI to deliver the 1098-T form to students. To access your form, follow these steps:
- Your 1098-T statement is located on the welcome screen below Statements.
- Click the desired tax year 1098-T.
Northeastern University suggests accessing your 1098-T electronically for fast, unlimited access. However, students have the option to opt out of receiving their 1098-T electronically. The deadline to opt out for electronic delivery for the 2025 tax year is January 8, 2026.
For optimal viewing and printing, it is recommended that you use Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or Microsoft Edge. Ensure that you have disabled all pop-up blockers. You may also need Adobe Acrobat 1.0 or Adobe Reader 11.0 (free version) installed on your computer.
Read also: Form 1098-T Explained
If you are using Mozilla Firefox, follow these steps to ensure Adobe Acrobat plugins are activated:
- Click the hamburger menu button (three horizontal lines) in the upper-right and click Add-ons.
- Select the Plugins option on the left side.
- Be sure the Adobe Acrobat plugins are set to Always Activate. If more than one entry, all should be set to Always Activate.
- Click the hamburger menu button (three horizontal lines) in the upper-right corner and click Options
- In the dialogue box that opens, select the Applications entry at the top.
- In the Applications list you will need to ensure that all Adobe Forms Documents and Portable Document Formats have Use Adobe Acrobat (default) or (in Firefox) or Use Adobe Reader (default) or (in Firefox) selected.
- You may need to allow pop-ups to show.
If you continue to experience difficulties viewing the 1098-T form, especially if you have not updated your browser to the most recent version, are using the Safari Browser, please refer to the instructions within your Adobe program.
Key Boxes on the 1098-T Form
The 1098-T form contains several important boxes that provide crucial financial information. Understanding these boxes is essential for accurately completing your tax return.
Box 1: Payments Received for Qualified Tuition and Related Expenses: This box reports the amount paid during the tax year up to the tuition and qualified fees (QTRE) amount. The Box 1 amount paid includes not only personal payments, but loans, scholarships, waivers, third party contract payments and refunds. It is possible you may have a carry forward amount if you paid more this tax year than the current QTRE and did not pay the total QTRE amount from the prior tax year; if this occurs, Box 1 amount will be greater than the current tax year QTRE.
Box 4: Adjustments to Qualified Tuition and Related Expenses: Reflects reductions in charges for qualified tuition and related expenses made during this calendar year that relate to amounts billed that were reported in a prior year. This could impact a tax credit for a prior year.
Read also: 1098 Tax Form Guide
Box 5: Scholarships or Grants: Reflects the total of scholarships and grants that were posted to the tuition account during calendar year 2025. Scholarships and grants include payments received from 3rd parties (excluding family members and loan proceeds). This includes payments received from governmental and private entities such as the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Defense, civic, and religious organizations, and nonprofit entities.
Box 6: Adjustments to Scholarships or Grants: Reflects reductions in scholarships and grants reported for a prior year. This could impact a tax credit for a prior year.
Qualified Tuition and Related Expenses
Qualified tuition and related expenses generally include tuition, any fees that are required for enrollment, and course materials the student was required to buy from the school. However, it's important to note that tuition and fees differ between undergraduate students, graduate students, students in the College of Professional Studies, and students in the School of Law. Additional fees may apply based on outside factors such as residency, meal plan, parking, etc.
Important Considerations
Social Security Number (SSN) or Tax Identification Number (TIN): By law, Northeastern University cannot produce a 1098-T form for a student without a valid Social Security Number (SSN) or Tax Identification Number (TIN) on file. If you need to update your SSN/TIN, bring a Social Security card and a valid government-issued photo ID (ex: passport, driver’s license, military ID) in person to the Admissions Office. Once you have submitted this form and your SSN/TIN has been updated, please complete the International Student 1098-T Request form for access.
Payment Deadlines: Full payment of tuition, residence hall fees, and other related charges are due prior to the start of the term as specified on the original bill. Northeastern University understands that each student’s and family’s financial situation is unique and offer a number of options to assist you in financing your education.
Read also: Scholarship Reporting Guide
Direct Deposit: Did you know that direct deposit is available for student account refunds, payroll, and all other reimbursements from the university?
Resources for Further Information
IRS Publication 970: This publication contains detailed information on both the Hope Scholarship and Lifetime Learning Credit.
Tax Professionals: Contact your tax preparer or financial adviser with questions concerning your eligibility for tuition tax credits or tax deductions.
Northeastern University's N.U.in Program
Congratulations on your decision to enroll at Northeastern University’s N.U.in Program. Northeastern University is delighted that you will be joining their community and are here to help as you and your family plan how to pay for your education.
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