Tax Advice

Members of the Maryland Association of Certified Public Accountants are answering readers' tax questions through April 15.Q: My husband and I bought a membership in a travel club that has gone out of business and we are stuck for over $2,000. Is there some way to claim that on our income tax as a loss? Or are we stuck?A: Generally, membership in a travel club is a personal expense. Personal expenses and losses are not deductible for tax purposes.Richard Kierson, CPA, Neuman & Associates The above advice is for general purposes only and is not intended as legal, accounting or tax advice.

Members of the Maryland Association of Certified Public Accountants are answering readers' tax questions through April 15. See below for how to submit a question.My husband had a business which was incorporated and he still has an outstanding Maryland business tax due. Can the state claim any of the state refund due on our joint Maryland return? I had nothing to do with the business. No, generally the state cannot directly intercept the personal tax refund of a corporate officer and spouse in order to satisfy a debt of the corporation.