Tax Information

If you received an email or letter from the Office of Student Accounts directing you to this webpage, it means we do not have a valid Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) on file for you.

Although some students believe they submitted this during the admissions process, we cannot legally require it on admissions applications—so it may never have been collected.

How to Submit Your Information

You must complete and return an IRS Form W-9S to provide your SSN/ITIN.

You have two options:

Option 1: Docusign Form

• Fastest and easiest method
• Automatically routed to our office once completed
• Complete the W-9S via Docusign (link to Docusign)

Option 2: PDF Form

• Download the Substitute W-9S Form PDF
• Print, sign, and return via mail or in person

Mail to:
Appalachian State University
Office of Student Accounts
Box 32005
Boone, NC 28608

Or deliver to our office:
Student Accounts in John E. Thomas Hall open Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–4 p.m.

Per state, federal, and Internal Revenue Service guidelines, Appalachian State University is required to attempt to verify Social Security Numbers (SSN) and Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITIN) for accurate tax reporting on IRS Form 1098-T tax forms. Having an accurate SSN/ITIN on tax forms supports the tax deduction that a student or family may claim for qualified tuition and related expenses charged by and paid to Appalachian State University on both federal and state income tax returns. Failure to provide Appalachian State University with an SSN/ITIN may result in the student being fined $50 from the IRS (not Appalachian State University) in accordance with Internal Revenue Code Section 6723.

Why we need your SSN/ITIN

We request this information to comply with federal tax reporting requirements. Each January, Appalachian State issues IRS Form 1098-T, which may help students or families claim educational tax credits. A correct SSN or ITIN is required for accurate reporting.

How to Submit IRS Form W-8BEN

You can choose from two submission options:

Option 1: Docusign Form

• Quick and secure
• Automatically submitted to our office
• Complete the W-8BEN via Docusign (link to Docusign)

Option 2: PDF Form

• Download the IRS Form W-8BEN PDF
• Print, sign, and either mail or bring it to our office

Mail to:
Appalachian State University
Office of Student Accounts
Box 32005
Boone, NC 28608

Drop-off:
Student Accounts in John E. Thomas Hall open Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–4 p.m.

Can’t visit in person?
Email us at studentaccounts@appstate.edu and we’ll provide a secure upload link.

Per state, federal, and Internal Revenue Service guidelines, Appalachian State University is required to attempt to verify Social Security Numbers (SSN) and Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITIN) for accurate tax reporting on IRS Form 1098-T tax forms. Having an accurate SSN/ITIN on tax forms supports the tax deduction that a student or family may claim for qualified tuition and related expenses charged by and paid to Appalachian State University on both federal and state income tax returns. Failure to provide Appalachian State University with an SSN/ITIN may result in the student being fined $50 from the IRS (not Appalachian State University) in accordance with Internal Revenue Code Section 6723.

Why we need your TIN

Some international students may be eligible for U.S. education tax credits. To help determine eligibility and ensure accurate reporting, we request that you complete IRS Form W-8BEN.

Even if you're not required to file a U.S. tax return, submitting this form ensures we have the correct information on file.

Each January, Appalachian State University provides IRS Form 1098-T, which reports qualified tuition and related expenses for tax purposes.

Under Federal Regulation 26 CFR 1.6050S-2, schools are permitted to offer these forms electronically with student consent.

How to Consent to Electronic Delivery

Starting with tax year 2019, electronic 1098-T forms are delivered via the Touchnet Billing and Payment Center (previously through AppalNet Self Service).

Because this change in platform qualifies as a “change in software”, we are required to collect new electronic consent from all students.

To provide electronic consent:

1. Log in to the Touchnet Billing and Payment Center.
2. You will see a pop-up labeled “Paperless 1098-T Option” before viewing your account.
3. Choose one of the following:
   • “Accept Consent” – You agree to receive your 1098-T electronically.
   • “I Do Not Consent” – You will receive your 1098-T by U.S. Mail.
   • “X” (close) – No decision is made; the prompt will reappear on your next login.

You may change your selection at any time by logging into Touchnet, selecting “Consents”, and updating your preference.

You will receive your IRS Form 1098-T in one of the following ways:

• By mail to your permanent address via the U.S. Postal Service
• Online through the TouchNet Billing and Payment Center if you opted in

To access your 1098-T online:

• Students: Log in through AppalNet
• Authorized Users: Use the Authorized User login

For Tax Year 2025: Forms will be mailed or notification sent by email no later than January 31, 2026. Online access will be available for opted-in users at that time.

For a detailed explanation of the 1098-T form, visit the IRS About Form 1098-T, Tuition Statement.

Important: Appalachian State University cannot provide tax advice. Please consult a qualified tax preparer with any questions about how the 1098-T form applies to your individual situation.

Box 1: Payments for Qualified Tuition and Related Expenses

Reports payments for QTRE made during the calendar year. QTRE includes:

Included in Box 1

• Resident and Non-Resident Tuition
• Program-specific fees (e.g., graduate tuition differential)
• Required General Fees (excluding Health Services Access Charge)
• Book Rental Fee
• ASG, Education & Technology, Safety & Security, and Student Activity Fees

Not Included in Box 1

• Housing or dining charges
• Health insurance or access fees
• Parking, orientation, library fines
• Wellness or departmental fees
• Late fees or interest

Note on Timing: Payments made in one calendar year for a term beginning in the next may appear on the earlier year’s form.

Box 4: Adjustments to QTRE from a Prior Year

Reports reductions to previously reported QTRE (e.g., course drops or withdrawals). May impact past education tax credits.

Box 5: Scholarships or Grants

Reports all scholarships and grants administered by Appalachian.

Not included:

• Student loans
• Tuition waivers
• Work-study earnings
• Third-party payments not managed by the university

Veterans Benefits: These amounts are included in Box 5 per IRS guidelines.

Note: Spring 2025 scholarships posted in January 2025 will appear on the 2025 form, even if tuition was paid in late 2024.

Box 6: Adjustments to Scholarships or Grants

Reports reductions in previously reported scholarships or grants. May affect your ability to claim education credits from the prior year.

Box 7: Future Term Indicator

Checked if any payments made in 2025 applied to a term beginning in 2026 (e.g., Spring 2026).

Special Notes

Study Abroad Charges

Some charges related to Study Abroad and International Education may qualify as QTRE but may not appear on your 1098-T.
 To request an itemized list of charges, contact issso@appstate.edu and share it with your tax preparer.

CARES Act & Emergency Funds

CARES HEERF funds are not reported on your 1098-T per IRS guidance.
However, other emergency aid (such as the Mountaineer Emergency Fund) is included.

Form 1098-T provides information that may help you or your tax preparer determine eligibility for education-related tax credits. It reports amounts paid for qualified tuition and related expenses (QTRE) and scholarships or grants received during the calendar year.

For the official explanation of the 1098-T form, visit the IRS About Form 1098-T, Tuition Statement.

Please keep receipts and payment records. These may be necessary if the information on your 1098-T differs from your actual payments.