My husband's school sent him a 1098-T Tuition Statement showing the tuition he paid in 2012.

We have run scenarios and determined we will get the maximum refund if we allocate the tuition in this manner:

- allocate $4,000 of tuition towards the "Tuition Deduction"
- allocate remaining tuition towards the job-related expense deduction

I have learned that this allocation method is possible per this IRS FAQ page called Education & Work-Related Expenses.

QUESTION:
But is there some strange IRS rule that says a 1098-T nulls the allocation method and the taxpayer is instead required to apply the ENTIRE tuition amount towards a SINGLE benefit?

(Note: In all cases, no double benefit is taken.)