Are fellowships treated as taxable income in the U. S.? Fellowship payments are taxable, unless they are excluded from taxable income under Section 117(a) of the Internal Revenue Code. The fellowship amount is used for "qualified tuition and related expenses."
Is a fellowship considered earned income?
Unfortunately, fellowship/scholarship income is not considered “earned income” (Publication 596 p. 18). Puzzlingly, having zero earned income disqualifies you from the credit, but having too much non-earned income also disqualifies you from the credit.
Do I have to pay taxes on fellowship?
Tax-Free. If you receive a scholarship, a fellowship grant, or other grant, all or part of the amounts you receive may be tax-free.