Troubleshooting
Disclaimer: FileYourTaxes.com reserves the right to modify this information at anytime. This is not tax advice. The intended purpose is to help our users navigate the program.
Although we do our best to maintain this information and keep it current, tax laws are constantly changing, supported forms/documentation can change at anytime. We can not guarantee the that the information is current. You will always find the most up-to-date information on the IRS website or applicable State website.
Only the most common issues are listed. See IRS Form 8863 Instructions, Form 8917 Instructions, and the IRS website for specific tax rules.
Issue:
Return not giving the American Opportunity Credit. (Lifetime Learning Credit has populated).
Reason:
No Form 1098-T information is entered.
Tax Law Change: Beginning Tax Year 2016, the IRS requires information from Form 1098-T be included when claiming the refundable American Opportunity Credit.
The nonrefundable Lifetime Learning Credit is the default credit until the required information is entered that qualifies the return for the Refundable American Opportunity Credit.
Issue:
Qualify for both Education Credit & Tuition & Fee Deduction, and return giving you wrong one.
Select the one you want on the tax return.
- Select Tax Credit to include Education Credit.
-Select Adjustment to include Tuition & Fee Deduction.
(See instructions on prior page for information on how to do this).
Reason:
The question "How should the system treat the Education Expenses?" is answered "Let the system decide".
When "Let the system decide" is selected the return will have which ever amount is greater between the Education Credit or Tuition & Fee Deduction.
Important:
The calculation is based on the amounts of education credits and deduction alone. It does not include the result these have on the tax return.
Issue:
Receiving Error: The IRS requires a name and address to be provided on the Form 1098-T form for the education credits. Please edit your Forms 1098-T and be sure to provide an address.
Reason:
Did not enter a valid Name of Educational Institution and/or Address of Educational Institution.
Step 1. Log into your account
Step 2. Select “Work With Filing”
Step 3. Select “Edit a Return in Progress”
Step 4. Select “Education Expenses” listed under Forms In Return on the left
Step 5. Once on the Education Expenses page, scroll down to the “Educational Institution Information” section and select “Edit”
Step 6. Here on the Educational Institution Information page, you will need to enter the Name of Educational Institution and the Educational Institution Address. Select “Save and Continue” once you are done making any changes to your return.
*If you do not need to report any Educational Institution tax information, then you can delete this page by selecting the “Delete” button in the top right. You will be prompted to select “Delete” a second time to remove this form from your return.