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 written determination issued to a taxpayer by the IRS that interprets and applies the tax laws to the taxpayer’s specific set of facts. A letter ruling advises the taxpayer regarding the tax treatment that can be expected from the IRS in the circumstances specified by the ruling. It may not be used or cited as precedent by another taxpayer.