General Tax Information
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The Tax Compliance Office is committed to assisting departments on campus with all their tax needs and questions.
Taxes
Departments can call the Tax Compliance Office at their convenience to set up a meeting to discuss any tax issues you may have.
The core values of the Tax Compliance Office are demonstrated through maintaining good customer service to all our customers, excellent performance and proficiency as well as stewardship by protecting the tax-exempt status and integrity of UNCW.
Tax Exempt Status
The University of North Carolina Wilmington is an agency of the State of North Carolina and is tax-exempt under the Internal Revenue Code Section 115.
This Code Section exempts state and local governments in the performance of their essential functions.
Additionally, any gifts made for exclusively public purposes to or for the use of government units of a state or possession of the United States, or their political subdivisions, such as the University, are tax deductible. See IRC Section 170(c) (1).
Prizes, Awards, & Gifts
The Internal Revenue Code states that under certain circumstances the value of prizes and awards/gifts to individuals is considered taxable income.
What You Need to Know
Merchandise or products won as a prize or award will be considered at the fair market value and could also be considered taxable income. Nonresident aliens may be subject to additional tax rules regardless of amount, depending on circumstances and treaty status.
IRS regulations stipulate that for employees who receive any gift of cash, gift card, gift certificate or cash equivalent, (an item that is easily converted into cash) for reasons related to their employment, such as employee appreciation, service awards, etc., it must be included in the recipient's gross income since it is considered extra salary or wages, regardless of amount awarded or won.
This would also pertain to a tangible award/gift as well, such as a computer, bike, DVD player, etc. The fair market value of that gift would be included in the employee's gross income as well and reported on their W2 form.
If an employee wins a prize or award/gift that is for a reason other than related to employment and the contest, program or raffle is open to the general public, then the prize and award/gift amount will be treated as 1099 income. The recipient will receive a Form 1099-MISC from UNCW on any winnings totaling $600.00 or more in a calendar year.
The recipient will also be required to provide UNCW with a completed W-9 form, which includes social security number, to be used for issuing a 1099 for tax purposes, as well as signing a prize/award acceptance form.
Nonresidents aliens (non U.S. Citizens), including international student workers, may be subject to additional tax rules depending on circumstances and treaty status and benefits. Where applicable, taxable income will be reported on Form 1042-S and may be subject to 14 - 30% withholding.