Back-to-School Season: Did you know educators can deduct out-of-pocket expenses on their taxes?

The educator expense deduction allows eligible teachers and administrators to deduct certain expenses directly from their taxes.

To be considered an eligible educator, the taxpayer must:

Be a teacher, instructor, counselor, principal, or aide from kindergarten through grade 12.
Have worked at least 900 hours during the school year in a school that provides elementary or secondary education as determined by state law.

Educators may deduct up to $300 of qualified expenses that were not reimbursed by their employer, a grant, or another source.
If two married educators file jointly, the limit increases to $600 (but no more than $300 each).

Qualified expenses include

These are amounts paid directly by the educator during the tax year, such as:
- Professional development course fees
- Books and classroom supplies
- Computer equipment (including software and related services)
- Other equipment and materials used in the classroom

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