Tax Deductions for Teachers
Teachers often spend their own money on classroom supplies and professional development. Here's every deduction available to help you get some of that money back.
Common Deductions for Teachers
Educator Expense Deduction
Teachers can deduct up to $300 ($600 for married teachers filing jointly, both educators) for unreimbursed classroom expenses. This is an above-the-line deduction - no itemizing required.
Classroom Supplies
Books, supplies, computer equipment, software, and supplementary materials used in the classroom. Amounts over $300 may be deductible if you itemize.
Professional Development
Courses, workshops, and training that improve your teaching skills or are required for certification renewal. Conferences and educational travel also qualify.
Union Dues
Dues paid to teachers' unions (NEA, AFT, state and local affiliates) may be deductible on state returns and contribute to the $300 educator expense limit.
Teaching Certifications
Costs for maintaining or renewing your teaching license, additional certifications, Praxis exams, and endorsement fees.
Home Office (for tutoring)
If you tutor students privately as a side business, you may qualify for home office and related deductions on Schedule C.
Mileage Between Schools
If you teach at multiple schools, mileage driven between locations during the workday is deductible. Does not include commuting from home.
Expenses to Track
The Educator Expense Deduction Explained
The educator expense deduction is one of the few remaining above-the-line deductions for employees. Here's what you need to know:
Who Qualifies:
- K-12 teachers, instructors, counselors, principals, and aides
- Must work at least 900 hours during the school year
- Must work at a school that provides elementary or secondary education
What Counts:
- Books and classroom supplies
- Computer equipment and software
- Supplementary materials
- Athletic supplies (for PE teachers/coaches)
- COVID-19 protective items
What Doesn't Count:
- Home schooling expenses
- Nonathletic supplies for health/PE courses (unless for athletics)
Beyond the $300: Additional Deductions
Many teachers spend well over $300 on classroom supplies. While the federal educator expense deduction caps at $300, you have options:
- State deductions: Many states allow larger educator expense deductions or still permit unreimbursed employee expenses
- Itemized deductions: If you itemize (Schedule A), miscellaneous expenses may be deductible in some states
- Side tutoring business: If you tutor privately, those expenses are fully deductible on Schedule C
Private Tutoring as a Side Business
Many teachers supplement their income with private tutoring. If you do this:
- Report income on Schedule C
- Deduct expenses like:
- Home office space used for tutoring
- Tutoring materials and supplies
- Mileage to students' homes
- Educational software and subscriptions
- Advertising costs
This can create significant deductions beyond the $300 limit.
Documentation Best Practices
Teachers often make many small purchases throughout the year. Stay organized:
- Use one credit card for all classroom purchases
- Save digital receipts in a dedicated folder (email or cloud)
- Note the purpose if not obvious from the receipt
- Track reimbursements separately - only unreimbursed amounts are deductible
Grant Money and DonorsChoose
If you receive classroom grants or DonorsChoose funding:
- Grant money used to purchase supplies is generally not taxable income
- You cannot deduct expenses paid with grant money (that would be double-dipping)
- Only out-of-pocket expenses qualify for the educator deduction
Summer Work and Professional Development
Summer activities may also be deductible:
- Summer curriculum development (if unpaid or paid as a stipend)
- Workshops and conferences
- Graduate courses for certification renewal
- Educational travel related to your subject area
Keep documentation connecting these activities to your teaching position.
The $300 educator expense deduction is above-the-line, meaning you get it even if you take the standard deduction.
Keep all receipts for classroom purchases - average them throughout the year rather than scrambling in December.
If you spend more than $300, the excess may be deductible as unreimbursed employee expenses on state returns.
COVID-19 protective equipment (masks, sanitizer, plexiglass barriers) purchased for classroom use qualifies.
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