MA Commuter Deduction versus Federal Tax

[ilyana-sawka]

My husband is an Uber driver. We deducted the tolls he paid as part of his federal tax business expenses. Can we also deduct the same amount from MA state tax through the commuter deduction?

[linear]

In my opinion, no, for two reasons:

1. These are not commuting expenses.

2. MA does not allow "double-dipping":

"Double Tax Benefits Not Allowed. The new commuter deduction is allowable only if the amount is not otherwise deducted. Where transportation costs are deductible both under G.L. c. 62, § 3(B)(a)(15) and any other provision of law, the same expenses cannot be deducted twice."