The information listed below is offered as a guide for students and not intended to provide professional tax advice. If you have questions or need further assistance please contact your tax advisor or the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) at http://www.irs.gov/

What is a 1098-T form and why do I need one?

All eligible educational institutions must file a Form 1098-T to report information to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for each qualifying student for whom a reportable transaction is made during the calendar tax year. The 1098-T form that you received is for your use in preparing your federal income tax return. Please note that your 1098-T form may not provide all of the information you need to determine eligibility for tax credits and deductions. Eligibility for any tax benefit depends upon your individual facts and circumstances and the College/District cannot provide you with any tax advice.

What does the 1098-T form look like?

 
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What is the deadline for 1098-T forms to be mailed to students?

The Form 1098-T will be provided by January 31st of each year for the previous calendar year.

How does the affect my taxes? How much can I deduct from my taxes?

Your accountant, tax preparer, or the Internal Revenue Service can best advise you in the utilization of this form when preparing your taxes.

Is this form a bill?

No, it is not a bill nor a request for payment.

Is this form a source of income that I must include on my taxes?

No, this form is a statement of the amount of enrollment and health fees charged to your student account in the prior calendar year.

How is the amount determined?

It will include the amount charged for enrollment fees and health fees. It includes charges made during the prior calendar year, without regard to the semester the charges apply to. For example, if a charge was processed by the District in December 2015 for the Spring semester beginning January 2016, the charge would be included on the 1098-T for calendar year 2015.    

Who do I contact if I think the information is incorrect?

It is important to remember that the amount on this form consists of charges assessed by the District in a calendar year. Contact the Accounting Office at the District Administrative Center at (805) 652-5500.

I'm a parent. Can I have my student's 1098-T form sent to me?

Students must make all information requests. The student is responsible for providing information to other parties in accordance with FERPA (Family Education Right to Privacy Act).http://www.ed.gov/policy/gen/guid/fpco/ferpa/index.html.

Can I access my 1098-T online?

Yes, you can access your 1098-T online:

  1. Login to www.ecsi.net/taxinfo.html
  2. Click on the "Click here to retrieve your login credentials" link
  3. Your school code, account number, and password will then be listed on the screen. Write this information down, click on the “Login Page” link
  4. Use the school code, account number, and password generated on the previous screen and click “Login”
  5. Click “Tax Information” to view any available 1098-T forms

Why don't I have any information on the 1098-T or why have I never received one in the mail?

Ventura County Community College District is not required to file Form 1098-T or furnish a statement for:

  • If your billed amounts consisted of only non-credit courses, even if the student is otherwise enrolled in a degree program.
  • Students whose scholarship and/or financial aid (including formal billing arrangements with employers or governmental agencies, such as the Department of Veteran Affairs or the Department of Defense) exceeded the billed amount.
  • International (foreign) students who are not U.S. residents for tax purposes (who have not been in the U.S. less than 5 years).
  • Students classified as non-resident aliens.
  • If charges were incurred in previous years for classes taken in the current calendar year, the expenses are not reflected in the current tax year. When reviewing your records, please take into consideration actual registration dates (e.g. if you registered for the Spring term (which starts in January) in November, that expense would be on the prior years' Form 1098-T).
  • If you paid for your enrollment fees, but dropped all your classes and received a refund during that calendar year, then you would not receive a Form 1098-T.
  • Ventura County Community College District does not have your Social Security Number - this information is required for Form 1098-T reporting (make sure you provide us with this information).
  • If your address on record is out-of-date, your Form 1098-T may have been returned.

Please login to the student web portal at http://my.vcccd.edu to verify your address and update your contact information.

Why do my records not match the tuition and fee payments reflected on my 1098-T?

When reviewing your records, please take into consideration actual registration dates in order to reconcile your records in the amounts on the form. The 1098-T form reflects charges and refunds made in the calendar year. Charges made in previous or future years are not included. The following expenses do not qualify as tuition and related expenses (Box 2) for community colleges: 1) Remote Registration Fee; 2) books; 3) parking permits;

For tax information or if you have additional questions or concerns please consult your tax advisor or contact the Internal Revenue Service Center. Visit the IRS website at http://www.irs.gov/