Working for the NIH and Taxes

[wowzer]

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So I have a friend taht has gotten a job (post-bac IRTA) with the NIH in his year off before medical school. He told me that on top of full benefits he doesn't have to pay a dime in taxes because its a government job. I guess you can say I'm pretty jealous 🙄 But is this really true?

 

[n4ted0gg]

So I have a friend taht has gotten a job (post-bac IRTA) with the NIH in his year off before medical school. He told me that on top of full benefits he doesn't have to pay a dime in taxes because its a government job. I guess you can say I'm pretty jealous 🙄 But is this really true?

I am doing the same thing. This is not true. You don't have to pay social security taxes, but still have to pay income tax, which is still a pretty large amount.

 

[dsprague12]

They do not withhold any taxes from the checks you receive. However, you do have to pay taxes on the salary. In fact, they encourage you to file taxes quarterly (instead of annually). Because the stipend NIH gives to IRTAS is pretty low, the combined federal and state tax ends up being about 10% of the salary.

 

[Rob101281]

1. It's not a government position, it's a fellowship
2. I paid over $3000 this year in taxes as a CRTA
3. " . . . on top of full benefits . . ." <- that's classic

 

[CuddlyKumquat]

1. It's not a government position, it's a fellowship
2. I paid over $3000 this year in taxes as a CRTA
3. " . . . on top of full benefits . . ." <- that's classic

hmm...i feel like i know you...

Rob? is that you?

CRTA here too. paid taxes, but since i was only 1 year, it wasn't as bad as the 2 year people

 

[Thundrstorm]

I am an IRTA. You have to pay taxes. Tell your friend to pay quarterly, which is what I should've done. I owe the government almost $800 from the 4 months I was an IRTA in 2005.

They do cover health insurance though.