Refunds and Direct Deposit

How do I change my direct deposit to a different account?

Click on myBanner, enter your Network ID and Password, select Student, select Student Account, select Student Account Information, select Refund Direct Deposit Setup Change your bank routing number your bank account number and your bank account type. The change will over-ride the account information you previously entered since you can only designate one account.

How do I remove my direct deposit so that I receive a check instead?

Click on myBanner, enter your Network ID and Password, select Student, select Student Account, select Student Account Information, select Refund Direct Deposit Setup.  Click the box that says stop direct deposit. Your check will be mailed to the permanent address you have on file.  Please make sure the address is correct to prevent a delay in receiving your check.

How do I use my refund to get my books?

If you have excess monies available, you will be allowed to charge your books to your student account at the University Bookstore.


1098T Education Tax Credit

1098T Forms

This form serves to alert students that they may be eligible for federal income tax education credits such as the American Opportunity Credit or the Lifetime Learning Tax credit. It should not be considered as tax opinion or advice. While it is a good starting point, the 1098-T, as designed and regulated by the IRS, does not contain all of the information needed to claim a tax credit. There is no IRS requirement that you must claim the tuition and fees deduction or an education credit. Claiming education tax benefits is a voluntary decision for those who may qualify.  

1098T forms will be mailed to the permanent address on file by the end of January.  To obtain an on-line copy of your 1098T form or to find an itemization of the box totals, go to myBanner, enter your Network ID and Password, select Student, select Student Account, select Tax Year, select Tax Notification.

You may not receive a 1098-T if you do not have a valid mailing address on file or your assessed amounts consisted of only non-credit (continuing education) courses. 

Please consult with a qualified tax preparer or CPA to determine if you are eligible for a tax credit or deduction. Grand Valley State University cannot offer tax advice. 

**   Prior to 2018, your 1098-T included a figure in Box 2 that represented the qualified tuition and related expenses (QTRE) we billed to your student account for the calendar tax year. Due to a change to institutional reporting requirements under federal law, we now report the amount of QTRE you paid during the year in Box 1.  **

Box 5 – Grants and Scholarship Reporting

Reporting an amount in Box 5 does not make it taxable.  It would only be taxable on the student's tax return if they report it as taxable.
The Form 1098-T is not an income reporting document, like a W-2. It is meant to be used only as an aid to the student in determining whether they qualify for an educational credit or deduction.

Study Abroad Students

If you will be paying tuition to a university in a different country, you may not be eligible for the IRS Education Tax Credit.  Your GVSU 1098T will show the amount of QTRE you paid in Box 1 and an equal amount in the Scholarship/Grants in Box 5.  They will offset each other.  You will need to contact the IRS or the university that is receiving your tuition payment to find out if tuition paid may qualify for the Education Tax Credit. 

For more details regarding tax credits, please visit the IRS Tax Benefits for Education: Information Center website. 
https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/tax-benefits-for-education-information-center

1098T FAQ

Q: What is the 1098-T tax form?

A: The 1098-T tax form is a Tuition Statement provided by higher education institutions to all eligible students who pay tuition and fees (including non-resident tuition) during the calendar year. The 1098-T form may be used by students or parents to claim the American opportunity tax credit (formerly “Hope credit”) or Lifetime Learning Credit on their federal income tax returns.

Q:  Why is Box 1 filled in on my 2023 1098-T and not Box 2?  Previous year 1098-Ts had Box 2 filled in.

A:  In previous years, your 1098-T included a figure in Box 2 that represented the qualified tuition and related expenses (QTRE) that we billed to your student account for the calendar tax year. Due to a change to institutional reporting requirements under federal law, beginning with tax year 2018, we will report in Box 1 the amount of QTRE you paid during the year and not in Box 2 the amount of QTRE that we billed.

Q: When will the 2023 1098-T tax form be available for eligible students?

A: Online 2023 1098-Ts will be available the week of January 19th, 2024.  Paper copies of the 2023 1098-T will be mailed to the permanent address by January 31, 2024.  

Q: How do I know if I am eligible to receive a 2023 1098-T tax form?

A: Students who paid for their tuition and related fees during the 2023 calendar year (January 1, 2023 – December 31, 2023) can expect to receive a 2023 1098-T tax form.

Q: I am an international student and paid enrollment fees and non-resident tuition.  Will I also receive a 1098-T tax form?

A: Beginning in 2014, international students who did not have a Social Security Number (SSN) or an Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN) on their student record will not receive a 1098-T tax form in the mail.  International students may still obtain a 2023 1098-T tax form online.  Go to myBanner, enter your Network ID and Password, select Student, select Student Account, select Tax Year, select Tax Notification.

Q: I did not receive a 1098-T tax form, why not?

A: There are several reasons why a student may not receive a 1098-T tax form:

  1. If you attended in winter 2023 and paid your tuition and fees in November or December 2022, then your tuition and fees were included on your 2022 1098-T form.
  2. If you paid for your tuition and fees, but dropped all your classes and received a refund during 2023, then you would not receive a 2023 1098-T form.
  3. If your address on record is out of date, your 1098-T form may have been returned.  Please go to myBanner to verify your address and update your contact information.  Even if the paper copy went to the wrong address, you may still obtain a copy online.  Go to myBanner, enter your Network ID and Password, select Student, select Student Account, select Tax Year, select Tax Notification.
  4. If your tuition and fee amounts consisted of only non-credit (continuing education) courses, then you would not receive a 1098-T

Q: Where can I get a duplicate copy of a previous year 1098-T tax form?

A: 1098-T Tax forms from 2008 forward may be obtained online.  Go to myBanner, enter your Network ID and Password, select Student, select Student Account, select Tax Year, select Tax Notification.

Q: Why is my Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) required for the 1098-T tax form?

A: Federal regulations require students to furnish their Social Security Number (SSN) or

Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) for federal reporting requirements. These requirements apply to any student, regardless of whether the student seeks or intends to seek the American Opportunity Tax Credit (formerly “Hope Credit”) or Lifetime Learning Credit.

A student who does not provide their SSN or ITIN upon request by the educational institution can be subject to a fine imposed by the IRS.

Q: Why is the “STUDENT’S social security number” field on my 1098-T tax form blank rather than show my Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number?

A: Students who did not provide their Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number when they applied to Grand Valley State University will show nothing in this box on the 1098-T tax form. 

As mentioned above, students who do not provide their Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number upon request by the educational institution can be subject to a fine imposed by the IRS.

Q:  How do I update my Social Security Number so that it will show up on my 1098T?

A:  Students may update this information by calling the Records Office at (616) 331-3327, Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 p.m.  Alternatively, social security number information may be submitted in person at the Student Assistance Centers located at either the Allendale or Grand Rapids campus.  In order to include your SSN or TIN on your 2023 1098T, we must RECEIVE it by January 12, 2024. 

Q: What is Grand Valley State University’s Federal Tax ID number?

A: The Federal Tax ID number can be found on the 1098-T Tax form in the “FILER’S federal identification no.” field.

Q: How do I claim a tax credit and am I required to do this?

A: There is no IRS requirement that you must claim the Education Tax Credit. Claiming education tax benefits is a voluntary decision for those who may qualify.  GVSU staff cannot determine if you qualify for a tax credit or respond to tax questions.  Please contact the IRS for more information at www.irs.gov or at 1-800-829-1040 or consult your tax preparer.

Q: Why isn’t Box 8 (at least half-time status) checked on my 1098-T tax form?

A: Box 8 is checked if you were enrolled in any of the following:

  • a minimum of 6 credits during Winter 2023 or
  • a minimum of 6 credits during Summer 2023 or
  • a minimum of 6 credits during Fall 2023

Q: I am not eligible to receive a 1098-T tax form. Can a 1098-T tax form still be produced for me?

A: Per IRS regulations, educational institutions cannot produce a 1098-T tax form for students who are not eligible to receive one.

Q: Who do I contact if I have additional questions?

A: Please send an e-mail to [email protected] include your name and G# number with your question. You will receive a response within 1-2 business days (during peak periods, the response time may be longer). 

More information on the 1098-T form may also be found at www.irs.gov or by contacting the IRS at:  1-800-829-1040.


Title IV Financial Aid Authorization

1. Am I going to have to answer this every time I log in to self service?
No, once you have responded, you will not have to answer again while you are a student GVSU.

2. I don't have any financial aid why do I have to answer this?
All students are being asked to accept or decline. If at some point in the future you do receive Title IV financial aid, this authorization will already have been given.

3. What is Title IV financial aid?
Title IV financial aid is federally funded aid such as Federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG), Federal Perkins Loan, Federal Subsidized and Unsubsidized Direct Loans.

4. I want to change my response. How do I do that?
Students may change their Title IV authorization from decline to accept by phone, email or letter to the Student Accounts Office or the Financial Aid Office.

Student Accounts Office
1049 James H. Zumberge Hall (1049 JHZ) Allendale, MI 49401-9403 (616) 331-2209 Financial Aid Office 100 Student Services Building Allendale, MI 49401 (616) 331-3234

5. What type of charges will my Title IV financial aid pay, if I accept or decline question #1.
If you accept, all charges on your student account for the current semester are available to be paid by these funds. If you decline, then Title IV aid will only pay current tuition, related fees, room and board (if contracted with the GVSU). Other current semester charges such as library fines, book store purchases and health center fees will remain unpaid which could result in having your classes dropped even if you have a credit balance on your account after authorized charges have been paid.

6. What type of charges will my Title IV financial aid pay, if I accept or decline question #2?
If you accept and allow Grand Valley to apply Title IV financial aid to previous year institutional charges, then all charges on your student account for the previous, as well as the current semester, are available to be paid by Title IV funds. Beginning July 1, 2008, the amount of Title IV financial aid that can be used to pay prior academic year charges is limited to a total of not more than $200. If you decline, Title IV aid will only pay current academic year charges. Even if you have a balance on your account after your current year charges are paid, you will have to pay any previous academic year charges with other funds or risk having your current classes dropped.

7. What if I have more questions before completing this Authorization?
You may contact either the Student Accounts Office or the Financial Aid Office.

Student Accounts Office
1049 James H. Zumberge Hall (1049 JHZ)
Allendale, MI 49401-9403
(616) 331-2209

Financial Aid Office
100 Student Services Building 
Allendale, MI 49401-9403
(616) 331-3234

8. When will my loans be disbursed on my student account? 

Government Regulations will not allow GVSU to disburse funds to the student account until 10 days before classes begin.

9. How do I change my Title IV Authorization that allows my title iv aid to pay or not pay non-institutional charges such as parking permits and library fines and/or previous aid year charges?

You may notify us by email at [email protected] or call our office at (616) 331-2209.  We are open to answer phone calls Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 p.m.  Please indicate that you agree or disagree to each of the following:

Agree/Disagree to allow GVSU to use Title IV Federal aid funds (i.e. Pell Grant, Direct Loan) to pay all charges incurred for educationally related activities as a student. This includes tuition, fees, room and board (if contracted with the institution) as well as bookstore, parking, and other charges on my student account.

Agree/Disagree to allow GVSU to use Federal Title IV financial aid funds (i.e. Pell Grant, Direct Loan) to pay any prior aid year charges on my student account for educationally related activities.


MESP/529 Plan

How do you request MESP/529 Plan funds in order to make a payment onto a student account?

The parent/guardian who owns the fund would contact the institution that handles their plan and give them this information:

  • The student’s Student ID/G #
  • The dollar amount of the request
  • The mailing address for GVSU Student Accounts Office:

GVSU Student Accounts Office
1049 JHZ, 1 Campus Drive
Allendale MI, 49401

How are MESP/529 Plan payments made to Grand Valley?

The funds are sent by check in the US mail.  Grand Valley does not accept wire transfers.

The parent/guardian who owns the plan can either request the check be sent directly to Grand Valley using the mailing address for Student Accounts listed above or the parent/guardian can request the check be sent to them and then the parent/guardian can make a personal payment to GVSU.

How long does it take for Grand Valley to receive an MESP/529 Plan payment?

It can take up to 12 business days for Grand Valley to receive the check payment in the mail. It is advised that the funds be requested early enough in advance so that they can be processed by the payment deadline to prevent the student’s classes from being dropped. If there is an amount still due on the account after the MESP/529 payment has been processed, then that amount must either be paid in full by the payment deadline or on a deferment plan with the first 25% of the balance being paid by the payment deadline.

What happens if there is a credit on a student’s account due to an overpayment from an MESP/529 Plan payment?

If there is an overpayment on the student’s account, that credit can be used towards buying textbooks or school supplies at GVSU’s Laker Store. The remaining credit balance will be refunded back to the student starting the second week of the semester. The refund will either be sent as a check to the student’s permanent address or sent to a direct deposit account that was set up in the student’s MyBanner account.

Student Account

E-BILL / ITEMIZED STATEMENT FAQ

What is an E-bill?
Students will be notified by email when new charges have been added to their account or when a monthly payment becomes due.

How to Access Your E-bill /Itemized Statement?

Student Login: Enter Network ID and password here myBanner

Proxy Login:  Enter email and password here Guardian/Family (Proxy) Access Login

After logging in, click on Student, select Student Account, select Student Account Information, select View Statement.

Why didn't I receive an email letting me know that my e-Bill is ready?
E-Bill email notices are sent approximately 3 weeks before a payment is due. It is the responsibility of every student to keep the University informed of changes in e-mail addresses. A by-product of mass e-mail is the filtering of these messages by automatic spam detection and filtering settings supported by e-mail clients. While we have taken all possible precautions to ensure that our e-bill notifications and payment notifications are not picked up as spam, you may need to review your e-mail software's spam or "junk" mail filter settings just in case. Regardless of whether or not your e-Bill notice is successfully received, you are still responsible for timely payment of your tuition bill. Undeliverable messages returned because of either a full in-box or use of a spam filter will still be considered delivered.

How do I set up E-bill notification for Third Parties?
Click on myBanner enter your Network ID and Password, select Personal Information, then select View or Update E-mail Addresses. From there you will be able to enter up to two Third Party email addresses (P1 and P2). Billing emails are sent to the PR, P1 and P2 email addresses.

ITEMIZED STATEMENT FAQ

Where can I get an itemized statement?

Itemized Statements are available on-line.

  • Click on myBanner
  • Enter your Network ID and Password
  • Select Student
  • Select Student Account
  • Select Student Account Information
  • Select View Statement
  • Select any of the "Statement " buttons for the appropriate term

Where can I get an itemized statement for a semester prior to Fall 2007?

You can email student accounts at [email protected] with a request for a specific semester or semesters.

PAYMENT FAQ

Why am I being charged 1% fee on my total credit card transaction?
A company named CORE Business Technologies handles our student accounts credit/debit card transactions. A 1% non-refundable fee is being charged on the total credit card transaction.  This fee structure reflects a fair distribution of the cost sharing of credit card transactions fees with the University for card holders that take advantage of this convenient payment method.  Most higher education institutions pass the entire cost of this credit card fee to the customer but GVSU currently does not.

Why do I have a late fee on my account?

Any charges unpaid by the statement due date will result in a hold on your account and transcript requests and prevent registration activity. Late fees in the amount of 1% will be assessed each month on the past due balance. Delinquent accounts will be sent to a collection agency and will be placed on your credit report. You will be responsible to pay all late fees, costs of any collections agency, which may be based on a percentage at a maximum of 35% of the debt, and all costs and expenses, including reasonable attorney's fees we incur in such collection efforts. All payments that are returned by the bank are subject to a $20 returned check fee. Returned payments made towards tuition or a past semester charge could result in class cancellation if not paid in a timely manner. If a check is returned for insufficient funds we may present it to the bank electronically.

Why do I have a financial hold preventing registration and transcripts?

If you have a past due balance on your student account, you may have a financial hold preventing registration and transcripts.  Once payment is made, the hold will be lifted immediately.  If you would like to talk to someone about your hold, you may call the Student Accounts Office at (616) 331-2209, Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 p.m.

When I try to make a payment, a blank screen shows and I cannot enter the payment information.
Are you using a computer through an employer? Many companies have firewalls, etc. This will prevent you from being able to access the site or utilize some of the functions.

Are you using a Mac computer? Please contact the Computing and Technology Support Help Desk at (616) 331-2101 for assistance.

What is the mailing address for the Student Accounts Office?
Grand Valley State University - Student Accounts 1049 James H. Zumberge Hall (1049 JHZ) 1 Campus Dr. Allendale, MI 49401-9403

Veterans

MICHIGAN ARMY NATIONAL GUARD TUITION ASSISTANCE (MINGSTAP)

 MINGSTAP deferment plan application

For more information contact Paul Dillon @ [email protected] or (616) 331-2278.

FEDERAL TUITION ASSISTANCE (FTA)

ArmyIgnited

For more information contact Paul Dillon @ [email protected] or (616) 331-2278.

 



Page last modified January 18, 2024