$300 Educator Expense Deduction
As students and teachers head back to the classroom for a new school year, the IRS wants to remind teachers and educators that they can deduct up to $300 in out-of-pocket classroom expenses for 2023 when they file their tax return in 2024. This is the same limit as 2022, although the limit can rise in $50 increments in future years based on inflation. If an educator is married and filing jointly with another educator, the limit increases to $600, although it is still limited to $300 per spouse.
Qualifying educators include kindergarten through grade 12 teachers, instructors, counselors, principals, or aides who worked in a school for at least 900 hours during the school year. Both private and public school educators are included. The deduction can be claimed even if the standard deduction is taken.
Educators can deduct the unreimbursed cost of the following:
- Books, supplies, and other materials used in the classroom
- Equipment such as computer equipment, software, and services
- COVID-19 protective items such as face masks, disinfectant, hand sanitizer, gloves, physical barriers, or air purifiers
- Professional development courses related to your curriculum or students (this may alternately be claimed under another educational tax benefit, such as the lifetime learning credit)
Some items that do not qualify as expenses under the deduction include the cost of home schooling and nonathletic supplies for health or physical education courses. As always, keep your receipts, cancelled checks, or other documentation for supplies purchased.