Is Grant Money Taxable?

If you get grant money, it's good to know how it can be used for your needs and whether you have to pay Uncle Sam. But it all depends on the grant. The Internal Revenue Service has guidelines to follow.

Under IRS rules, if you're a candidate for a degree, grants and scholarships for tuition, fees, books, supplies and equipment are not considered taxable income. But grant money used for items beyond those, such as room and board, for example, are taxable.

Government grants for recovery after a natural disaster are intended for reasonable and necessary living expenses, and for reasonable and necessary repairs of a home. But, under IRS terms, you only get to deduct from taxable income the amount for repairs not covered by insurance.

Disaster mitigation payments are commonly made after a natural disaster has already occurred, but they are to be used to take the necessary steps to prevent and reduce the severity of potential future natural disasters. These grants are paid through state and local government agencies.

Veterans' grant are not taxable, under IRS regulations. For example, grants to design homes so they are suitable for wheelchair use and grants to provide motor vehicles for veterans who've lost their sight or use of their limbs aren't taxable.

Grants for preservation of historically significant properties, provided under the National Historic Preservation Act are not taxable, according to IRS rules.

There are more grants than the ones listed here. New grants are created over time and IRS rules may change. If you have specific questions, play it safe and contact an Internal Revenue Service agent or tax lawyer.