For the 2022 tax filing season, the Internal Revenue Service has increased the educator expense deduction from $250 to $300. Married educators may both deduct $300 each. This may not seem like much when you consider that nearly 1 in 5 teachers spends upwards of $1000 of their own money to purchase things for their classrooms, including basic student supplies, materials for lessons and so much more. Many teachers also invest in professional development. Most school districts don’t provide additional funds for teachers to add to their classrooms so at least they can get some money back in the form of a tax deduction.
Who is eligible for the deduction?
Public and private school staff in the following areas who have been on a campus at least 900 hours during the school year:
- K through 12 teachers
- Instructors
- Counselors
- Principals
- Aides
What can you deduct?
You can take unreimbursed costs for the following:
- Books, supplies and materials used in the classroom
- Equipment, including equipment, software and services
- COVID-19 protective items to stop the spread of the disease in the classroom. Facemasks, disinfectants, hand soap, hand sanitizer, and disposable gloves. You can also deduct items like tape, paint or chalk for social distancing and physical barriers such as plexiglass and air purifiers.
- Professional development courses related to the curriculum you teach or the students you teach.
Remember to keep detailed records and receipts, canceled checks, credit card statements and any relevant documentation for the items purchased.
Don’t miss out on the chance to get back some of the money you invested in your education, classroom and school.
Teia Hoover Baker is an educator, published author, and entrepreneur. She is an innovative, devoted educator whose career has been dedicated to coordinating programs that support struggling learners. Her passion is meeting students where they are and guiding them to excel. Her main focus is always what is best for children. Teia holds a Bachelor’s in Journalism and a Master’s of Education. In her spare time, she enjoys being Lovie to her growing grandchildren.
