Can we still deduct electrical union dues and the additional work assessment fees that we used to itemize on either our Federal return or on the Minnesota return?

[jenand35]

My husband's electrical union assess a 3% fee of gross wages.  This is to help the local raise more work for union shops. It is not optional for the people in the union.  Previously this was deductible on Schedule A as "Work Assessment Fees" along with licenses and small tools.  This fee is above the union dues he pays.

Is this still deductible either on the Federal return or on our Minnesota State return?  

Thank you!

[AlanT · Accepted solution]

Employees can no longer deduct union dues and unreimbursed fees on their federal tax return in tax years 2018 through 2025 as a result of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) that Congress signed into law on December 22, 2017.

However, unreimbursed employee expenses are still deductible in Minnesota.  

[jenand35]

Where do I claim this deduction on the Minnesota return?  I can't find where to put it. Thanks.

[JustConfused2019]

How do we do this when using turbo tax? Does it walk you thru it? I did not see it last year.

[JotikaT2]

You do not have to enter anything into the Minnesota state interview questions as it will pull the information through from the input on the Federal interview screens.

In TurboTax, you will enter all of your union dues and unreimbursed fees on the "Deductions & Credits" section under the Federal interview questions.  Even though you are not able to utilize them as a deduction in the federal return anymore due to the tax law changes, the TurboTax program will take these amounts and pull them into the Minnesota return automatically.   

@JustConfused2019