Tax Implications from Fee Waivers
As of January 1, 2002, all undergraduate and graduate coursework taken by an employee through the CSU Fee Waiver Program will not be taxed.
Graduate courses taken by dependents and all courses taken by dependent domestic partners or children of domestic partners are eligible to be taxed, based on the fee waiver value, under Internal Revenue Code Sections 117(d), 127 and 132(d).
| Eligible Participant | Course Level(s) | Tax Status |
|---|---|---|
| CSU Employee | Undergraduate and Post-Baccalaureate |
Nontaxable |
| Graduate | Nontaxable* | |
| Employee's Spouse or Dependent Child | Undergraduate and Post-Baccalaureate | Nontaxable |
| Graduate | Taxable | |
| Employee's Domestic Partner | Undergraduate and Post-Baccalaureate | Taxable |
| Graduate | Taxable |
* Employees taking graduate courses: the courses are nontaxable up to $5,250 (unless job-related).
The dollar value for the waived fees will be reflected on the employee's next pay warrant following receipt of the benefit, and the State Controller’s Office will take deductions for that benefit from that payroll warrant.A “flat tax rate” will be applied to the amount waived or reduced. The flat tax rate is roughly 40% (Federal 25%, State 6.6%, and if applicable Social Security 6.2% and Medicare 1.45%). [Resources: Payroll and SCO - PPM - H102]
The Fee Waiver Program is a fringe benefit and as such has strict reporting requirements established by the Internal Revenue Service and the State of California Controller’s Office. The reporting requirements state that the fringe benefit must be taxed in the calendar year that the benefit was received. Further, the amount taxed is to be deducted in a single payment.
How do I estimate when the flat tax will be subtracted from the employee pay check?
- Dependent Program
- Dependent Eligibility
- Dependent Fees
- Tax Implications
- Fee Waiver Value
- Due Dates
- FAQ
- Index
Need Help?
- Contact Student Financial Services
- Contact Professional Development
- Email FeeWaivers
- Fee Waiver Program Index