Is stipend taxed?

[TITX]

I was wondering if any current graduate students could tell me if stipends are taxed and, if so, how much is it taxed? Any info is much appreciated!

[jriveracal]

I'd like to follow this topic. I have two kids...not sure if I will have to pay taxes on my stipend

[pineapplepizza]

Mine is. My letter of funding stated that it’s taxable. I would ask your school about specifics.

[magnetite]

Mine will be taxed as well. Both federally and at the state level.

I've also read that if your funding package includes payment of tuition, it's possible that could be taxed, too. See the article below:

http://pfforphds.com/prepare-grad-student-tax-return/

[PokePsych]

Yes, but only the portion that doesn't go to tuition (so living expenses etc). In general you pay federal and state depends on the state (e.g., I do on my income portion but not my fellowship portion).

 

If you fall under some tax treaty you may not have to pay the fellowship part, but you'd still have to pay the income (RA/TA, etc.) part.

[NotAlice]

I'm a TA who gets a stipend and tuition remission. My stipend is paid monthly and treated as income. I received a W2 at the end of the year. 

[Glasperlenspieler]

Generally speaking: stipends are income and are taxed accordingly.

Despite a close call involving shithead Republicans in congress, tuition waivers and scholarships used to pay for tuition are still tax free.

[cavalior7005]

Does anyone have experience with scholarships being taxed? I have my base stipend and then additional funding from a scholarship I received - I think they might be taxed separately? 

[MathCat]

47 minutes ago, cavalior7005 said:

Does anyone have experience with scholarships being taxed? I have my base stipend and then additional funding from a scholarship I received - I think they might be taxed separately? 

I'm in California - both my stipend and fellowship amounts are taxed at the same rate federally. I believe California does not tax the fellowship, but does tax the stipend.

[cavalior7005]

@MathCatinteresting, thanks!

[PokePsych]

15 hours ago, cavalior7005 said:

Does anyone have experience with scholarships being taxed? I have my base stipend and then additional funding from a scholarship I received - I think they might be taxed separately? 

 

TA/RA-ships are taxed for me; fellowship seems to be not.

[maya123z]

11 minutes ago, Psygeek said:

 

TA/RA-ships are taxed for me; fellowship seems to be not.

Your fellowship is probably still taxed, but taxes are not automatically withheld. If it's going toward living expenses and not just tuition, you need to pay estimated taxes 4x per year. You should be sure to pay this if you haven't been doing it so far, or else you can get slapped with a big fee if you're ever audited.

[PokePsych]

13 minutes ago, maya123z said:

Your fellowship is probably still taxed, but taxes are not automatically withheld. If it's going toward living expenses and not just tuition, you need to pay estimated taxes 4x per year. You should be sure to pay this if you haven't been doing it so far, or else you can get slapped with a big fee if you're ever audited.

This is different for international students depending on your tax treaty.

[maya123z]

4 hours ago, Psygeek said:

This is different for international students depending on your tax treaty.

Ah yes you're correct  just a PSA for US citizens though, don't forget to pay your estimated taxes!