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The Daily Insight

When did college scholarships become taxable?

Author

Sarah Duran

Published Mar 25, 2026

The tax status of scholarships was first codified in 1954, and until 1980 it was exceedingly simple: for students pursuing a degree, all scholarships, fellowships and grants were tax-free, no matter what the funding was used for.

Where do I report scholarship income on tax return?

Generally, you report any portion of a scholarship, a fellowship grant, or other grant that you must include in gross income as follows: If filing Form 1040 or Form 1040-SR, include the taxable portion in the total amount reported on the “Wages, salaries, tips” line of your tax return.

What was the capital gains tax in 1990?

Federal Capital Gains Tax Collections, Historical Data (1954-2018)

Tax YearTotal Realized Capital Gains ($ millions)Average Effective Tax Rate (%)
1990123,78322.5
1991111,59222.3
1992126,69222.9
1993152,25923.7

Are there any tax deductions for paying for college?

However, you can still help yourself with college expenses through other deductions, such as the American Opportunity Tax Credit and the Lifetime Learning Credit. College graduates can also deduct the interest that they pay on student loans. The interest deduction does not require you to itemize your taxes.

Are there any tax breaks for graduating from college?

One useful tax break for college graduates and their parents is the student loan interest deduction. For your 2018 taxes, this deduction is worth the amount you paid in interest for your student loans, up to $2,500, which is the maximum deduction.

Is the tuition deduction available for the 2018 tax year?

The Tuition and Fees Deduction. The deduction for tuition and fees is not available for the 2018 tax year. Those are the taxes you file in early 2019. The loss of this deduction also highlights how useful a 529 college savings plan can be for saving money on college expenses.

Is the 529 college savings plan worth the tax deduction?

The loss of this deduction also highlights how useful a 529 college savings plan can be for saving money on college expenses. If you need to file a return for your 2017 taxes, you can claim the deduction, which is worth up to $4,000.