Educational credits - no Form 1098T

[buelfarm]

My client's dependent, age 19, is attending an excellent 2 year Bible College.  The college has chosen to NOT participate in Federal Aid programs, is NOT found on any IRS list, and does NOT issue a Form 1098T for the student's Tuition paid.  According to what I have read, there is no way to use the Form 8863 for Educational credits (student would be AOTC eligible) without the Form 1098T.  Does anyone know of any IRS work-arounds, or are these folks just not able to have any Educational credits? 

[taxes96786]

Is this an accredited college? Maybe it doesn't qualify.

[Just-Lisa-Now-]

If they dont participate in the federal aid programs, then I dont think IRS considers them an eligible institution and they wont be eligible for AOTC.

[IRonMaN · Accepted solution]

God will provide -------------------- but even he can't provide any educational credits if the college isn't participating within the system.

[BobKamman]

In other words, "I want federal aid for sending my kid to a school that has a strongly held belief against federal aid."  Takes all kinds, I suppose, although I don't think accepting federal aid is a requirement to be an eligible school.  What they do need is an EIN, and apparently that's against their religion.  

Even foreign schools qualify, from what I have found:

"While foreign educational institutions are not required as a matter of Title IV eligibility to obtain an EIN and complete Form 1098-T for U.S. students they enroll, it is a financial benefit to the student for the institution to do so and may provide the student with additional funds to pay for continued enrollment."

https://fsapartners.ed.gov/knowledge-center/library/electronic-announcements/2018-08-06/general-subj...

[buelfarm]

They specifically are not accredited, but choose not to be ... there are 7 Seminaries that accept their students into Masters Level programming via an agreement.  From what I read, no AOTC. 

[buelfarm]

Yes, I think that's right!  Thank you 🙂 

[buelfarm]

You are absolutely right ==> thank you !!  I know this Pastor & his wife will be disappointed in the financial aspect of this reality, but they know their student is in the right place.  Appreciate your perspective 🙂 

[buelfarm]

Thanks for your efforts & thoughts ==> appreciate your time !