Overview
This page contains tax information for graduate students. Students with questions about taxes are always welcome to reach out to UChicagoGRAD at gradhelp@uchicago.edu.
Jump to tax information for PhD students
General Tax Information
The Bursar’s Office provides a general overview of tax documents, reporting responsibilities, resources (both no-cost and paid) for assistance with filing taxes, and frequently asked questions. You can access these by expanding the accordions on the Bursar’s website.
Generally speaking, all students (regardless of nationality) who receive payments from the University (stipend, fellowship, teaching assistantship, research assistantship) are required to report taxable income and file taxes annually.
Resources
Tax Information Sessions
Tax information sessions are typically offered annually to provide an overview of filing obligations and frequently asked questions. These sessions typically take place early in the calendar year in anticipation of the tax-filing deadline in mid-April.
Students are encouraged to attend Tax Information Sessions.
You can register for an information session by visiting https://grad.uchicago.edu/event-calendar/ and navigating to the event.
Previously recorded Tax Information Sessions are available online.
Students with general tax questions should email gradhelp@uchicago.edu, who can connect you with the appropriate resources.
International Students
All Non-Resident (for US Tax Purposes) F and J international students and scholars who were present in the U.S. during any portion of the past calendar year are required to file tax forms with the United States federal government. This is true whether or not you worked in the U.S., gained income in the U.S., or received a scholarship during the past calendar year.
In addition to the resources above, international students can also review the tax responsibilities for international students summary available on the Office of International Affairs website.
Tax Information for PhD Students
Funding Sources for PhD Students
PSD PhD students have three methods of primary funding types from the University of Chicago (Fellowship Stipend, Research Training Assignment, or Pedagogical Training Assignment). PhD students should expect to receive assignment notification letters from their department/program that will provide details about a student's funding type.
All primary funding sources will be paid out in three installments during the quarter at the end of each month. PhD students are encouraged to review the PhD quarterly funding schedule. Most incoming PhD students in Autumn will have their Autumn Quarter payments spread across four payments in Autumn Quarter of their first year only.
Students can find records of their payments by accessing their payslips in Workday.
Onboarding Paperwork
PhD students may be asked to complete onboarding paperwork when they matriculate into their program or begin a primary funding position that requires onboarding paperwork. It is essential to complete this paperwork in a timely manner and by the due dates you are given. You should wait to complete this paperwork until you receive instructions from the University. Instructions will be sent to your UChicago email address.
Students on F-1 or J-1 visas who receive payments may be eligible for tax treaty benefits based on their country of residence. More information is available on the tax treaty benefits website.
Tax Forms Students Receive
PhD students will receive different tax forms based on their primary funding type. If students have more than one funding source per year (e.g. Fellowship Stipend in Autumn, Pedagogical Training Assignment in Winter and Spring), they will receive the paperwork associated with each funding source consistent with the table below:
| Funding Source | US Citizen or Permanent Resident or Resident for Tax Purposes | International Student (F-1 or J-1 visa holder who is not resident for tax purposes) |
| Fellowship Stipend | No tax form. This is self-reported taxable income. (Review information for quarterly estimated tax payments) | 1042-S (delivered in early April via mail) |
| Research Training Assignment (RA) | W-2 | W-2^ |
| Pedagogical Training Assignment (TA, Lecturer, etc.) | W-2 | W-2^ |
^ Students with an applicable tax treaty may receive a 1042-S for this funding type
Tax Withholding
Tax withholding depends on a number of factors, including the position you are holding, your residency status for tax purposes, and any withholding elections you make on your tax paperwork. The information below provides a summary of tax withholding based on University funding sources for PhD students:
If you are receiving a financial award from outside the University you should follow up with the award provider to determine the tax implications of the award.
Students studying on a J-1 or F-1 visa are encouraged to explore the tax withholding information for foreign nationals.
| Funding Source | US Citizen or Permanent Resident or Resident for Tax Purposes | International Student (F-1 or J-1 visa holder who is not resident for tax purposes) | Resources |
| Fellowship Stipend | Taxes not withheld (see "Resources") | Taxes withheld at 14% rate absent applicable tax treaty | Quarterly Estimated Tax Payment Information |
| Research Training Assignment (RA) | Taxes (state and federal) withheld | Taxes (state and federal) withheld | |
| Pedagogical Training Assignment (TA, Lecturer, etc.) | Taxes (state and federal) withheld | Taxes (state and federal) withheld |
Tax Resources for PhD Students (US Citizens and permanent residents)
- IRS Free File
- Updating tax withholdings in Workday
- Students can email gradhelp@uchicago.edu with tax-related questions
Tax Resources for PhD Students (F-1 and J-1 visa holders)
- Sprintax tax software for international students
- Tax FAQ from the Office of International Affairs
- Updating tax withholdings in Workday
- Students can email gradhelp@uchicago.edu with tax-related questions