Taxation of Tuition Waivers

[Winer, Brian]

Dear Graduate Students,
    The recent developments regarding the overhaul of the tax system has caused great concern within graduate programs and universities across the country. The proposed taxation on tuition waivers adds a financial burden that would be highly damaging to students and research programs, and sends the wrong message to students and society as a whole.  It would discourage rather than encourage seeking new knowledge and advanced training. The OSU administration has been aware of this proposed change since it first became public, and has been working with other research universities to lobby actively against it. Through grassroots efforts, both at OSU and on campuses across the country, this provision has also been brought to the attention of the public.  There is strong opposition to this new tax provision that appears in the House bill that was passed yesterday. Fortunately, the Senate version of the tax overhaul does not contain the same provision.  I am cautiously optimistic that the provision will not make it into the final version.  Nonetheless, we must remain vigilant and I encourage you, if you have not already, to contact your Representative and Senators to express your concern.  I have asked the faculty to do the same. I want to assure you that the department’s faculty stand with you on this issue. We understand the uncertainty and angst that this has caused.  I also want to assure you that if some version of a new tax on tuition waivers is implemented into law, the Department and the University will actively work to minimize the damage it would have on graduate students.  As teachers and mentors, it is our mission to help you clear all the hurdles you face as graduate students.  This current hurdle is no exception.
   Brian Winer


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Brian L. Winer
Professor and  Chair
Department of Physics
1040R Physics Research Building
614-292-2653 Office
winer at physics.osu.edu<mailto:winer at physics.osu.edu>






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