What is the tax treatment of academic post-secondary scholarships?

The correct treatment of academic post-secondary scholarships is that they are generally tax-exempt and not included in income. This means that students who receive scholarships to cover qualified education expenses do not have to report that income on their tax returns, as long as the scholarship is used for tuition, fees, and other approved costs related to their education.

When scholarships are granted specifically for tuition and required fees, and not for room and board, they typically qualify for this tax-exempt status. This allows students to receive financial assistance to further their education without adding to their taxable income, thus providing a significant financial benefit during their studies.

It's important to note that situations may vary; for example, scholarships that exceed qualified education expenses or that are provided as payment for services may have different tax implications. However, the fundamental principle is that scholarships awarded for educational purposes are not treated as taxable income, which is why tax-exempt status is the correct understanding in this context.