---
title: Changes to the Requirements for Claiming Education Tax Credits and Deductions
description: Do you have the receipt for your fall semester tuition? Track your tuition expenses for the most benefit under new rules
image: http://cdn.phillymag.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/MO-gene-marks-college-tuition-adam-jones-940x540.jpg
---

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# Changes to the Requirements for Claiming Education Tax Credits or Deductions

[Nick Ong](https://info.ongandcompany.com/blog/author/nick-ong) / October 17, 2016 /

[Education Tax Benefits](https://info.ongandcompany.com/blog/topic/education-tax-benefits)

![](https://app.hubspot.com/settings/avatar/78ed98f3907302297cd8d0a6db951673)

Do you have the receipt for your fall semester tuition? Keeping track of your tuition and other qualified education costs may be more important than ever. Several laws enacted over the past few years, including the *PATH Act* from last December, made changes to the requirements for claiming education benefits such as the American Opportunity Credit. One change to note: In order to claim an education tax credit or deduction when you file your 2016 federal income tax return, you'll generally need a copy of the information statement sent by your school.

You may be familiar with Form 1098-T, *Tuition Statement*. If you're a student, you've probably received this information form from a college or other school. In the past, schools could choose to report amounts you actually paid or amounts that were billed to you. Beginning with your 2016 return, schools are generally required to report only the tuition and qualified expenses that you actually paid.

While the new reporting requirement may make claiming the credit easier, you'll still want to track your actual expenses. Why? In some cases, you may buy books and credit-eligible materials from a supplier other than your school. Those costs would not be on the Form 1098-T that you receive. To include the expenses in the calculation of your tax benefit, you need to have proof of your payments.

If you have questions about what costs are considered qualified educational expenses and how the rule changes will affect you, please contact us.

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*Ong & Company is a professional accounting, tax, and advisory services firm. Our team of CPAs specialize in helping small businesses and individuals minimize tax expenses and maximize after-tax income. Headquartered in Corporate Woods in Overland Park, Kansas, we serve clients across the United States.*

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