Fellowship payments used for incidental expenses, including room and board, travel, and optional equipment are taxable. So too are amounts received for teaching, research, and other services required as a condition for receiving the fellowship. The only exception: amounts received for services required by the National Health Service Corps Scholarship Program or the Armed Services Professional Scholarship and Financial Assistance Program.
A retirement plan that meets tax law tests and allows for tax deferment and tax-free accumulation of income until benefits are withdrawn. Pension, profit-sharing, stock bonus, employee stock ownership, and Keogh plans and IRAs may be qualified plans.