Why sign in to the Community?

  • Submit a question
  • Check your notifications
Sign in to the Community or Sign in to TurboTax and start working on your taxes
New Member
posted Jun 4, 2019 2:38:48 PM

Can I deduct money overpaid to retail clerks union retirement. They reassessed my benefits and had to pay back $2,125.00?

0 1 220
1 Best answer
New Member
Jun 4, 2019 2:38:50 PM

Yes, you can deduct it.  Will it affect your return?  Maybe.

The Claim of Right allows you to take a deduction (or credit) for repayment of income that was taxable in a prior year.  If you don’t itemize, that won't be helpful to you!

IF you pay back less than $3000, the repayments are deductible on Schedule A (subject to the limitation of 2% of your Adjusted Gross Income.)

To report the repayment:

  • Log into your return
  • Click on Federal
  • Click on Deductions and Credits
  • Scroll to Other Deductions and Credits. 
  • If needed, click on the Show more button.
  • Click the button next to Other Deductible Expenses
  • The Generation-Skipping tax question doesn't apply to you.
  • On the next screen, you will be asked if you have any of the less common expenses.  (One of the expenses listed is the repayment of $3000 or less.)
  • On the following screen, you can enter a description and amount.

1 Replies
New Member
Jun 4, 2019 2:38:50 PM

Yes, you can deduct it.  Will it affect your return?  Maybe.

The Claim of Right allows you to take a deduction (or credit) for repayment of income that was taxable in a prior year.  If you don’t itemize, that won't be helpful to you!

IF you pay back less than $3000, the repayments are deductible on Schedule A (subject to the limitation of 2% of your Adjusted Gross Income.)

To report the repayment:

  • Log into your return
  • Click on Federal
  • Click on Deductions and Credits
  • Scroll to Other Deductions and Credits. 
  • If needed, click on the Show more button.
  • Click the button next to Other Deductible Expenses
  • The Generation-Skipping tax question doesn't apply to you.
  • On the next screen, you will be asked if you have any of the less common expenses.  (One of the expenses listed is the repayment of $3000 or less.)
  • On the following screen, you can enter a description and amount.