Teacher Tax Preparation
Those involved in educating deserve all eligible teacher tax deductions!
Tax Samaritan’s vision is to provide the highest quality teacher tax preparation service to professional educators at a competitive rate and that all eligible tax deductions for teachers are claimed.
We specialize in working with educators because of our commitment to education. We believe our system ensures that our clients capitalize on every teacher tax deduction that they are legally allowed to claim.
Tax Deductions for Teachers
Teachers and eligible educators who spend their own money on classroom supplies are eligible for a tax break called the educator expense deduction. While this is not a tax deduction credit, it is an above-the-line deduction of up to $250 for classroom expenses paid during the tax year.
Eligible expenses include:
- Computer equipment
- Books
- Supplies
An eligible educator is a kindergarten through grade 12 teacher, instructor, counselor, principal or aide who works at least 900 hours a year in either a public or private school.
Education Expenses
Another teacher tax deduction that can be used to reduce your taxes are education expenses for tuition incurred in pursuing graduate school or other additional education. Education expenses can be claimed, subject to limitations and requirements as either:
- Educator’s expense deduction
- Unreimbursed employee business expense (as a Schedule A itemized deduction)
- Tuition and fees deduction
- Education credit
If the education is part of your state school board’s certification renewal process, it may be deductible. However, if the education is needed to meet the minimum educational requirements to qualify you for a particular position, or if the education will qualify you for a new trade or business, it is not deductible.
Once you have met the minimum educational requirements for teachers for your state, you are considered to have met the minimum educational requirements in all states. This is true even if you must get additional education to be certified in another state. Any additional education you need is qualifying work-related education. You may still be able to obtain a benefit from educational expenses that do not qualify for a work-related education deduction if you qualify for the American Opportunity Credit, the Lifetime Learning Credit, or the student loan interest deduction.
You should keep receipts to substantiate all expenses.
Free Tax Consultation For Teachers
If you are an educator, request a tax preparation quote today to get started with a tax professional experienced in teacher tax deductions.