Tax Information

In January of each year, the IRS requires Geneva College to provide students with a 1098-T Form for the preceding calendar year.  The 1098-T Form can help determine eligibility for certain tax credits.  Please see the below links or FAQ’s for more information on Form 1098-T.  Also, for your convenience, Heartland ECSI has set up a dedicated phone line for questions regarding 1098-T tax forms.  Feel free to call them at 1-866-428-1098. 

The Form 1098-T is sent to students from Heartland ECSI, a third-party administrator, not from Geneva College.  Students can elect to receive their 1098-T electronically by giving their consent online – see “Can I receive my 1098-T electronically?” below. 

For further clarification on the Form 1098-T, consult the following websites, read through the FAQ’s below, or contact a professional tax consultant.  Neither Heartland ECSI nor Geneva College is able to provide any information or advice beyond what is available on this web page and on the Heartland ECSI website.

IRS information on Form 1098-T	http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/i1098et.pdf
IRS Information on tax credits	http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/tax-benefits-for-education-information-center
IRS information on Form 8863	http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/i8863.pdf
IRS information on Form 8863	www.irs.gov/form8863
ECSI information on tax documents and additional links to 1098-T info	http://heartland.ecsi.net/index.main.html#/contactus

1098-T FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

 Q:  What is a 1098-T?

A:  The 1098-T form is an IRS form that Geneva is required to provide to you.  It reports the payments received by the college for qualified tuition and related expenses from all sources. The purpose of the 1098-T is to help you and/or your tax professional determine if you are eligible for certain tax credits. The 1098-T is purely informational; you are not required to attach the 1098-T to your tax return.  However, Geneva is required to file a copy of it with the IRS.

Q:  How will I receive my 1098-T?
A:  1098-Ts will be mailed to the student’s permanent home address on file by January 31st each year for the preceding calendar year.  It may not arrive in your mailbox until the second week in February.  The mailing will come from Heartland ECSI, not Geneva College.  Heartland ECSI is a third-party administrator that Geneva has hired to process and distribute our students’ 1098-Ts.  You can also opt to receive your form electronically (see below).

Q:  Can I receive my 1098-T electronically?
A:  Yes.  Students may elect to receive their form electronically instead of in the mail.  Online delivery is secure and is faster than traditional mail delivery.  The deadline to elect electronic delivery is January 1st.  

Q:  What if I lost my 1098-T or it never arrives in the mail?
A:  You can access your 1098-T for this year or prior years on Heartland ECSI’s website.  See “How do I view my 1098T online?” 

Q:  How do I request a second copy of my 1098T to be mailed to me?
A:  Geneva does not mail, email, or fax second copies of your 1098T to you, as it greatly increases the chances of someone obtaining your personal information such as SSN, full name, and address.  The copy mailed to you directly from Heartland ECSI is the only copy you will receive.  However, you may view/print your current and/or prior year 1098Ts online.  See “How do I view my 1098T online?”

Q:  How do I view my 1098T online?
A:  Follow these easy steps:

1. Go to http://heartland.ecsi.net
2. Look for "to access your 1098-T tax form" Click HERE!
3. Enter your school name.

4. Verify you are who you say you are.

5. Click the "+" near your statement to expand for more details.

6. To print, click "View/Print Statement" (you will need to turn off pop-up blocker to view and print your tax form).

Q: What if I have trouble logging into http://heartland.ecsi.net or viewing my 1098Ts online?
A:  Please do not contact Geneva College if you are having trouble accessing your ECSI account.  Geneva College does not have access to your ECSI password nor is Geneva able to reset your ECSI password.  Please visit the Help Center at http://home.ecsi.net which lists multiple ways to contact Heartland ECSI for help logging into or using their website.

Q:  Why is box 1 blank?
A:  If box 1 is blank, it means that the college did not receive any payments for qualified tuition and related expenses.

Q:  Why didn’t I receive a 1098-T?
A:  There are a few possible reasons:

• You attended Geneva in spring of last year, but you paid your tuition and related expenses in the fall before the spring semester began, meaning the information was included in last year's 1098-T.
• We do not have a valid permanent address on file for you.  (See “What if I lost my 1098-T or it never arrives in the mail?”)
• You are a non-resident alien and the college is only required to issue a 1098-T to you if you request it.

Q:  How do I use the 1098-T to complete my taxes?
A:  Neither Geneva College nor Heartland ECSI can provide any tax advice.  Please consult a professional tax advisor or go to www.irs.gov.