In order to determine how and where to report stipend income, you must first determine the nature of the stipend income.

The IRS explains that your stipend may be reported on Form W-2 or Form 1099-MISC. You are responsible for determining whether you were paid as an employee or independent contractor and whether or not the income is subject to self-employment taxes.

If you receive a Form W-2, enter this form into the TaxAct program under the Wages and Salaries income topic.

If you receive a Form 1099-MISC, there are two places the income may be reported: (1) Form 1040, Line 21 as Other Income, or (2) Schedule C as Self-Employment income and subject to SE tax. Enter either of these options by clicking on the Form 1099-MISC income topic.

On the other hand, many students receive stipends to help pay tuition and other educational expenses. Generally, this type of stipend would be reported on Form 1098-T, Box 5 as a scholarship or fellowship. If you receive information regarding your stipend on Form 1098-T, you would enter this information within the Education section of the TaxAct program.