Tax Tip for Teachers

 Staten Island CPA, David C Egan

A tip for teachers: Some educator expenses may be tax deductible

 

The educator expense deduction allows eligible teachers and administrators to deduct part of the cost of technology, supplies and training from their taxes. They can only claim this deduction for expenses that were not reimbursed by their employer, a grant or other source.

 

Who is an eligible educator:

The taxpayer must be a kindergarten through grade 12 teacher, instructor, counselor, principal or aide. They must also work at least 900 hours a school year in a school that provides elementary or secondary education as determined under state law.

 

Things to know about this deduction:

Educators can deduct up to $250 of trade or business expenses that were not reimbursed. As teachers prepare for the school year, they should remember to keep receipts after making any purchase to support claiming this deduction.

 

The deduction is $500 if both taxpayers are eligible educators and file their return using the status married filing jointly. These taxpayers cannot deduct more than $250 each. Qualified expenses are amounts the taxpayer paid themselves during the tax year.

 

Here are some of the expenses an educator can deduct:

• Professional development course fees
• Books
• Supplies
• Computer equipment, including related software and services
• Other equipment and materials used in the classroom