07/06/2026
Not all athletic scholarship income is tax-free.
Under IRC §117, only scholarship amounts used for qualified tuition, required fees, books, supplies, and equipment are excluded from federal taxable income.
Amounts (most times refunded) used for room & board, housing, meal plans, travel, and other personal expenses are generally taxable.
Also remember: state law may differ from federal law. For example, Pennsylvania does not fully conform to the federal treatment of scholarship income, so a scholarship that is partially taxable on the federal return may not be taxable for Pennsylvania personal income tax purposes.
Understanding both the federal and state rules is essential for accurate tax planning and compliance.
Have questions about the taxability of your Athlete’s scholarship or NIL income? Start with an interest call (link in bio)