I’m a teacher. Are some educator expenses tax deductible?

You are only able to claim this deduction if you have not already been reimbursed by your employer, a grant or other source.

There are eligibility requirements. You must:

• Be a kindergarten through grade 12 teacher
• Be an Instructor
• Be a Counselor
• Be a Principal or aide
• Work at least 900 hours a school year in a school that provides elementary or secondary education as determined under state law

You can deduct up to $250 of trade or business expenses, but you will need to have receipts to support claiming this deduction with your tax records.

The deduction is $500 ($250 each) if both yourself and your partner are eligible educators and file your returns using the status married filing jointly.

Here are some of the items that are allowable expenses for you to deduct:

• Professional development course fees
• Books
• Supplies
• Computer equipment, including related software and services
• Other equipment and materials used in the classroom
• Personal protective equipment, disinfectant an other supplies used for the prevention of the spread of coronavirus

How we can help

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Date published Mar 3, 2022 | Last updated Jul 8, 2022

This article is intended to inform rather than advise and is based on legislation and practice at the time. Taxpayer’s circumstances do vary and if you feel that the information provided is beneficial it is important that you contact us before implementation. If you take, or do not take action as a result of reading this article, before receiving our written endorsement, we will accept no responsibility for any financial loss incurred.