Tax Blog

February 2, 2009

Tax Breaks for Teachers

categorized as: Tax Breaks

NOTE: this blog was originally posted in 2009. If you have questions about tax breaks for teachers for 2010 please use our Ask A Tax Question form and we will be able to answer your questions as quickly as possible. Thank you for stopping by FiscalTax.com!

For 2008 and 2009 teachers and other education professionals can deduct up to $250 of certain out-of-pocket classroom expenses. These expenses include but are not limited to the cost of books, supplies, equipment, and software used in the classroom. First introduced in 2002, this deduction is available to qualified educators regardless of whether or not they itemize their deductions.

Tax Tip: Classroom expenses that exceed $250 and non-classroom supplies may be deducted as an employment-related miscellaneous itemized deduction subject to the 2% floor for taxpayers who itemize.

Can't take advantage of this tax break?

Check out our list of 40 Tax Breaks that you could use to get your largest tax refund ever in 2009.

Have a question about this tax break?

Leave a comment below and we'll get you an answer that could save you money on your tax return this year.

14 Responses

Fiscal Tax

01.19.2012

Kat,

You will only be able to deduct these expenses if you were required to go by your employer.

Kat

01.17.2012

I attended the Save Our Schools March in Washington D.C. I attended the rally/speeches and marched in the March. Can I deduct the flight cost for attending this type of function?

Fiscal Tax

03.03.2011

Chao, you asked if you will be reimbursed. That is a question for your employer. However, if you intended to ask if you can receive a tax benefit for this education, the answer is yes. Qualified, post-secondary education is eligible for the Lifetime Learning Credit. The tax credit is 20% of eligible expenses, up to a maximum of $2,000. See the "Education Tax Credits and Deductions" section our website.

Chao

03.02.2011

I am a teacher, I took my master's degree in an online school. This is to renew my certification. Will my expenses be reimbursed?

Fiscal Tax

02.17.2011

Ryan, You can deduct your out-of-pocket(i.e not reimbursed) travel, transportation, lodging, and meals while attending the conference. These deductions are claimed in the Miscellaneous Deductions section of Schedule A (itemized deductions). Be aware, deduction in this section are subject to an exclusion of 2% of your AGI.

Ryan

02.16.2011

My 1099 T shows my tuition costs I paid for attending a national education conference. Can I deduct the flight, car rental and hotel costs of this conference?

Fiscal Tax

08.25.2010

The following is text taken from the tax code:

"For purposes of this deduction, an eligible educator is, with respect to any tax year, an individual who is a kindergarten through grade 12 teacher, instructor, counselor, principal, or aide who works in a school for at least 900 hours during a school year. "

Mandy

08.25.2010

I am an Associate Teacher working with the Head Start program. I have seen other webpages stating that the classroom tax credit expenses is for K-12 teachers.....but would I qualify for the program as a preschool teacher as long as I obtain the 900 hours?

Fiscal Tax

03.24.2010

You may claim the Lifetime Learning Credit for these expenses. The Lifetime Learning Credit is 20% of up to $10,000 of educational expenses (maximum of $2,000). The Lifetime Learning Credit is claimed on form 8863.

Bill Reinhard

03.23.2010

I am a teacher. May I deduct tution expenses for education credits to maintain my Indiana Certificate.

Fiscal Tax

03.03.2010

You may deduct up to 250.00 of out of pocket expenses as an educator. However, if you itemize deductions you may be better off claiming your unreimbursed expenses on form 2106 and schedule A.

Leslie

03.01.2010

I work in a daycare as a teacher. Can I deduct expenses from toys, supplies, and uniforms that I must wear. Also can I deduct the cost of inservice training?

Fiscal Tax

02.09.2010

Tammy, you can deduct the educator expenses ($250 maximum) if you qualify as an educator. The requirement is that you spent at least 900 hours during the school year as an educator.

Tammy Thorne

02.09.2010

I homeschool my child and incur numerous expenses with books. Can I deduct these expenses since I am the teacher?

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