FAQ for Scholarship/Grant/Waiver recipients

Why did I get a Sprintax email?
Why should I complete Sprintax?
Why did I get taxed?
What are eligible and ineligible expenses for taxation?
Why are others not being taxed?
What are SSNs and ITINs?
When do I need an ITIN or SSN?
How can I apply for my ITIN?
What are tax treaties?
Resources and Support Information
Contacts for additional support


Why did I get a Sprintax email?

Information is needed since you have been identified as receiving US income to determine tax liability.

Why should I complete Sprintax?

Sprintax Calculus determines the amount of US income subject to withholding and will also help determine if you are eligible for a tax treaty. The determination is made based on the information you provided in your Sprintax Calculus account.

Why did I get taxed?

Your scholarship/fellowship amount(s) exceed your qualified expenses for the tax year.

What are eligible and ineligible expenses for taxation?

Qualified expenses are amounts paid for tuition, fees, and other related expenses for an eligible student that are required for enrollment or attendance at an eligible educational institution. Even if you pay the following expenses to enroll or attend the school, the following are not qualified education expenses:

  • Room and board
  • Insurance
  • Medical expenses (including student health fees)
  • Transportation
  • Similar personal, living, or family expenses

Why are others not being taxed?

There are several reasons why another individual may not be taxed, including that their scholarships/fellowships were less than their qualified expenses, or there is a specific tax treaty that exempts them and/or reduces their tax liability.

What are SSNs and ITINs?

The Social Security Administration issues Social Security Numbers (SSNs) to all legal aliens working in the US.

An Individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN) is a nine-digit number issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to individuals who are required for US federal tax purposes to have a US taxpayer identification number but who do not have and are not eligible to get an SSN.

When do I need an ITIN or SSN?

  • SSN is required if you are working in the US.
  • ITIN is required for tax treaty eligibility if you are not working but have US income.
  • Either an SSN or ITIN is required to be able to file an income tax return.

How can I apply for my ITIN?

Utilize Form W-7 to apply for an ITIN. Before sending the form to the IRS, obtain a signature from an acceptance agent. To locate a certifying official agent, visit the Acceptance Agent Program page on the IRS site. Form W-7 can also be used to renew an existing ITIN.

What are tax treaties?

As a result of established United States income tax treaties with several foreign countries, residents (not necessarily citizens) of foreign countries may be eligible to be taxed at a reduced rate or exempt from US income taxes on certain items of income they receive from sources within the US. These reduced rates and exemptions vary among countries and specific items of income.


Resources and Support Information:

Calculus User Training Manual 2024.pdf
Sprintax Calculus Questionnaire Knowledge Base | For Admins
YouTube: What is an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) and how can you get one?


Contacts for Additional Support:

For general questions related to tax laws, filing taxes, or completing Sprintax, contact Payroll at prf@uta.edu.
For financial aid and scholarship questions, contact the Scholarships Office at schol@uta.edu.
For questions related to tuition and fees, contact Student Accounts at studentaccounts@uta.edu.