As a PhD grad student, I have required conferences to attend where I present my work. Can I deduct these conference and travel fees? If so, where do I do it?

If you are compensated as an employee of the university (teaching assistant, research assistant, etc.), you are no longer able to deduct travel expenses and other miscellaneous expenses, as a result of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017.

Miscellaneous deductions subject to the 2% limit, including unreimbursed job expenses (reported on Form 2106) have been repealed for tax years 2018 – 2025. Affected deductions include:

• Job-search expenses
• Home office†
• Union dues†
• Work-related travel, mileage, and transportation (including DOT per diem)†
• Work-related meals, entertainment, gifts, and lodging†
• Work-related tools and supplies†
• Specialized clothing or uniforms†
• Work-related education†
• Investment fees and expenses
• Safe deposit box rental fees
• Depreciation on computers used for work† or investments
• Membership in professional societies†
• Subscriptions to professional journals or trade magazines†
• Licenses and regulatory fees†
• Malpractice insurance†
• Tax-preparation fees†
• Tax advice fees†
• Educator expenses in excess of $250
• Appraisal fees for casualty losses or donations
• Hobby expenses

†Self-employed (Schedule C) filers can still deduct these business-related expenses, as they have in the past. The repeal of unreimbursed work-related deductions only affects wage- and salary-earning employees who don’t own a business or work as a contractor.

No. Travel is not a qualified educational expense