sshurtz
Returning Member

Can I deduct my state bar membership fee if I am retired

The Utah State bar charges an annual fee for inactive (retired) members.  If I do not pay the fee, I loose my bar membership, and if I ever want to practice law in the state of Utah again I would have to take the bar exam again, so I have kept my membership ongoing, even though I am retired and no long have a job that requires me to be a member of the bar.  Can I deduct the bar membership fee on my federal taxes, and if so on what line of what form?

bwa
Alumni
Alumni

Retirement tax questions

Unfortunately, costs such as bar memberships are a business expense.  To be deductible you need to be actively carrying on a trade or business which, if you're fully retired, you're not doing.  That would preclude any deduction.