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New Member
posted Jun 4, 2019 3:21:10 PM

Union dues I have never claimed them before. I was wandering if I can also claim the ones from previous years????

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1 Best answer
Level 15
Jun 4, 2019 3:21:12 PM

No, you cannot claim union dues from previous years on your 2017 tax return.  You can enter the union dues you paid in 2017 on your return if you are itemizing deductions.  Unless you have a LOT of other deductions like mortgage interest, property tax, etc. the union dues will not change anything.  They may not change anything even then.

Union dues are a job-related expense.

Only the amount of job-related expenses that are OVER 2% of your adjusted gross income get added to your list of itemized deductions, which still must exceed your standard deduction in order to make a difference on your return.  This is kind of a hard deduction to get.  If you need to enter these, go to Federal>Deductions and Credits>Employment Expenses>Job-Related Expenses.

5 Replies
Level 15
Jun 4, 2019 3:21:12 PM

No, you cannot claim union dues from previous years on your 2017 tax return.  You can enter the union dues you paid in 2017 on your return if you are itemizing deductions.  Unless you have a LOT of other deductions like mortgage interest, property tax, etc. the union dues will not change anything.  They may not change anything even then.

Union dues are a job-related expense.

Only the amount of job-related expenses that are OVER 2% of your adjusted gross income get added to your list of itemized deductions, which still must exceed your standard deduction in order to make a difference on your return.  This is kind of a hard deduction to get.  If you need to enter these, go to Federal>Deductions and Credits>Employment Expenses>Job-Related Expenses.

New Member
Jun 4, 2019 3:21:13 PM

Thanks a bunch

Level 15
Jun 4, 2019 3:21:14 PM

You  are welcome.

New Member
Jun 4, 2019 3:21:16 PM

so basically even if you claim and its the only claim it wont make a difference?

Level 15
Jun 4, 2019 3:21:17 PM

Sadly, that is how works..if you do not also have some "big ticket" deductions like mortgage interest, property tax, etc. the union dues do not affect your refund.