To AtlantaTaxExpert:

When I was a student (for Ph.D. Degree on non-resident F-1 status) during 2007 to 2010, I got monthly payment (say $1500) by Professor as a scholarship for my research assistance. Due to my employment, I got half tuition remission (say $4000/semester). The other half tuition ($4000/semester) was paid by Professor. IRS withdrew tax for my monthly income and the other half tuition. My question is: is the tuition non-taxable? Thanks

Did you file your 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010 tax returns? How and on which form was the scholarship and tuition fee amount reported?
Normally scholarship is not taxable if you are a degree student. Nonresidents do not get any tuition and fee deduction.

Thanks MukatA. I filed tax returns these years. On W-2, if the tuition is included in the Wages, I can claim the tuition tax. If it is not included, the tuition tax was automatically refunded through tax filing. Am I right?

Payment of the tuition by the professor is compensation in kind, and thus considered to be taxable EARNED income by the IRS.

This being the case, you will NOT get a complete refund of the tax assessed on the tuition payment.