Spend My Stipend7 min read
Are Employee Stipends Taxable? What You Need to Know
Most employee stipends are taxable income — but there are important exceptions. Here's what determines whether you owe taxes on your employer stipend.
Capitalize On Your Employee Benefits
Don't leave free money on the table. We help you discover the best ways to spend your employer stipends — from learning budgets to wellness perks.
We've been there
As professionals passionate about personal finance, we started this website as a Google Doc to share with friends. The information was so helpful we turned it into Spend My Stipend.
Now it's our mission to help you make the most of your employee stipends. We research eligible products, compare options, and give you clear recommendations so you can spend smarter.
About UsTypes of Employee Stipends
More companies than ever offer employee stipends as part of their benefits package. Whether you receive a flat monthly allowance or a use-it-or-lose-it annual budget, knowing the different types of employee stipends helps you get the most value from every dollar.
Professional Development Stipend
A professional development stipend covers courses, conferences, certifications, books, and learning platforms. Companies like Google, Buffer, and Shopify offer $500–$5,000+ per year for employees to grow their skills. Use yours on platforms like Coursera, Udemy, or O'Reilly — or pick up the latest books in your field.
Browse professional development guidesHealth & Wellness Stipend
A wellness stipend helps employees invest in physical and mental health — gym memberships, fitness equipment, meditation apps, ergonomic gear, and more. These employee stipends typically range from $50–$200 per month and can cover everything from a Peloton subscription to a standing desk converter.
Browse wellness stipend guidesRemote Work Stipend
A remote work stipend (sometimes called a home office stipend) funds the gear you need to be productive from home. Think monitors, keyboards, webcams, noise-canceling headphones, and desk accessories. Many companies offer $1,000–$2,500 when you start, plus an annual refresh for upgrades.
Browse remote work stipend guidesFSA & HSA Benefits
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Health Savings Accounts (HSA) let you pay for eligible medical expenses with pre-tax dollars. Many employees don't realize how many everyday products qualify — from first-aid kits and sunscreen to massage guns and acupuncture. Don't let your FSA funds expire unused at year-end.
Browse FSA/HSA eligible itemsNot sure which employee stipend you have? Check with your HR team or benefits portal. Many employers now offer flexible lifestyle spending accounts (LSAs) that combine multiple stipend types into a single annual allowance.
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Stop leaving money on the table
Thousands of employees miss out on stipend benefits every year. Browse our guides to find the best ways to spend yours.