Fiscal Tax Blog

Tax Breaks for Teachers
February 02, 2009

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.

6 Comments

Tammy Thorne
February 09, 2010, 1:25pm
I homeschool my child and incur numerous expenses with books. Can I deduct these expenses since I am the teacher?
Fiscal Tax
February 09, 2010, 1:47pm
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.
Leslie
March 01, 2010, 8:06am
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
March 03, 2010, 6:39pm
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.
Bill Reinhard
March 23, 2010, 3:10pm
I am a teacher. May I deduct tution expenses for education credits to maintain my Indiana Certificate.
Fiscal Tax
March 24, 2010, 12:43pm
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.

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