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.
An amount taken from income as a prepayment of an individual’s tax liability for the year. In the case of wages, the employer withholds part of every wage payment. Backup withholding from dividend or interest income is required if you do not provide the payer with a correct taxpayer identification number. Withholding on pensions and IRAs is automatic unless you elect to waive withholding.