Teachers Get Deductions Too

It’s just about time for “Back to School” in the United States! 

All of us at PRO-TAX would like to thank the teachers around the world for all you do for our children.  Besides teaching them subjects (reading, writing, ‘rithmatic, etc.), you are often role models! 

Your elected officials think you’re great too!  As an eligible educator you may be able to deduct up to $250 of expenses you paid for purchases of books or classroom supplies.  Here’s how it works: 

ELIGIBLE EDUCATOR:  To be an eligible educator you must:

• Work in a public or private elementary or secondary school
• Work at least 900 hours during a school year
• Be a Kindergarten through Grade 12 teacher, instructor, counselor, principal or aide 

QUALIFYING EXPENSES:  Qualifying Expenses are unreimbursed expenses you paid or incurred for:

• Books
• Supplies
• Equipment (including computer equipment, software and services)
• Materials you use in your classroom
• *Supply expenses for courses in health and physical education are qualified only if they are related to athletics. 

TO BE DEDUCTIBLE, qualified expenses must be more than:

• Savings bond interest excluded on Form 8815
• Non-taxable distribution from a Qualified Tuition Program
• Tax-free withdrawals from your Coverdell Education savings account 

If you (and your expenses) qualify, you can deduct up to $250 of the total expenses you incurred.  How do you claim this deduction?  They are claimed on Line 23 (Educator’s Expenses) of Form 1040.

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