Hope and Lifetime Learning Credits
In 1997, Congress passed the Tax Payer Relief Act, which included provisions for the Hope Scholarship Credit and the Lifetime Learning Credit. Both credits allow certain taxpayers who have incurred qualified expenses for higher education to take a credit against their federal income tax liability. Educational institutions are required by law to provide information to students who qualify for the education credits. Schools, colleges and universities report this information to the IRS and to students on Form 1098-T. Although the 1098-T should not be attached to your federal income tax return when you claim the education credits (as W-2 forms are), you must have received this form in order to claim either the Hope Credit or the Lifetime Learning Credit on your federal tax return.
For more information see The U.S. Department of Education website. 
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