Mission
The Controller's Office - Tax Department ensures the University's compliance in all areas of tax reporting and withholding, provides tax support to the campus community, and protects the integrity and tax-exempt status of the University.
Major Responsibilities
- Manage federal, state, and local tax compliance, including filing of tax returns in an accurate and timely manner, for the University and subsidiaries
- Act as a resource to the University community, advising on university policy and procedural development with respect to tax issues
- Direct tax research and tax planning efforts to support the needs of various University functions
- Monitor legislative tax developments at the federal, state, and international levels and advise accordingly
Tax Exemption Status
Rice University is exempt from federal income tax under Section 501(a) as an educational institution described in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
You may occasionally receive a request from sponsors and suppliers for an IRS "Determination Letter" to prove Rice's federal Section 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status. If you are a member of the Rice community, you can download a copy of Rice's IRS Determination Letter (a Rice ID is required). Otherwise, please contact Tax@rice.edu to request a copy.
Rice is also exempt from state taxes in Texas and many other identified states. Please visit State Tax for forms and guidance.
Rice may not be recognized as a tax-exempt organization outside of the U.S. If you purchase services or goods abroad for use abroad, you may need to pay foreign country Goods and Services Tax (GST) or Value-Added Tax (VAT).
Tax Reporting
- Form 990 - Return of Organization Exempt From Income Tax
- Form 990-T - Exempt Organization Business Income Tax Return
- Form 4720 - Excise Tax Return
- Form W-2 - Wage and Tax Statement
- Form 1042-S - Foreign Person's U.S. Source Income Subject to Withholding
- Form 941 - Employer's Quarterly Federal Tax Return
- Form 945 - Annual Return of Withheld Federal Income Tax
- FBAR - Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts
- Various state tax filings for UBTI, sales use tax, payroll, unemployment tax, etc.
The Tax Department cannot give personal tax advice to students, employees, or other taxpayers. Please seek professional advice from a certified public accountant or tax attorney for your individual tax situation.