Once again Minnesota has chosen to not conform to a federal tax benefit. Employer-provided education benefits that do not relate to your current job are the latest victim of Minne-Tax-Ya.
For the 2013 tax year, the benefit of up to $5,250 per year to help cover the cost of tuition, books, supplies, equipment and fees now will be taxable. You should adjust your withholding to account for this additional Minnesota income.
The tax burden in Minnesota continues to increase. The education penalty of $5,250, the marriage penalty $2,050 — Minnesota's tax appetite is limitless.
Mark Bofferding
Rochester
