Educator Expenses Deduction

Eligible educators can deduct up to $250 of expenses for books, supplies, computer equipment, and other classroom materials incurred over the course of the tax year provided these outlays were not reimbursed by their teaching institution.

For health and physical education courses, only expenses for equipment related to athletics qualify.

The deduction is subtracted from your total income as an educator, thus reducing your income tax liability, and does not require you to itemize deductions.

Educators married and filing jointly with a spouse who is also a teacher can claim a $500 deduction on their return, though each partner is still limited to $250 of expenses.

Eligible educators include teachers, instructors, counselors, principals, and aides to grades K-12 who worked at least 900 hours in a public or private elementary or secondary school.

Remember to save your receipts for all out-of-pocket expenses for classroom supplies in the event of an IRS audit.