the state of NJ has this posted in their 1040 instructions...
Meals and/or Lodging. You can exclude meals and/or lodging reported as wages on your W-2 if:
1. The meals and/or lodging were provided on the business premises of your employer; and
2. The meals and/or lodging were provided for the convenience of your employer; and
For lodging only:
3. You were required to accept the lodging as a condition of your employment.
If you exclude the value of meals and/or lodging from your wages, you must enclose a signed statement explaining how you met these
conditions. If you do not enclose the statement, your wages will be changed back to the full amount shown on your W-2.
New Jersey State Police officers cannot exclude food and maintenance payments received as part of their union contract. These payments do not meet the criteria above.
so can i deduct these expenses since i am not union?
