As an educator, you're likely spending your own money on classroom supplies and materials. The good news? You may be able to deduct these expenses on your tax return, and new legislation is expanding these opportunities.
Current Educator Expense Deduction
Who qualifies: K-12 teachers, instructors, counselors, principals, or aides who work at least 900 hours per school year.
What you can deduct: Up to $300 in unreimbursed classroom expenses for 2025 ($600 for married couples filing jointly, with a $300 limit per educator).
Qualified expenses include:
- Books and classroom supplies
- Computer equipment and software
- Other classroom materials
- Professional development courses
- PE/health supplies (athletics-related only)
The advantage: This is an "above-the-line" deduction, meaning you don't need to itemize and it reduces your adjusted gross income, potentially helping you qualify for other tax benefits.
New Deduction Starting in 2026
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) creates an additional opportunity for educators starting next year:
What's new: A miscellaneous itemized deduction for educator expenses with no dollar limit and no 2% AGI floor requirement.
Expanded eligibility: Includes interscholastic sports administrators and coaches.
Broader qualified expenses: PE/health supplies don't need to be athletics-related.
The catch: You'll need to itemize deductions to claim this benefit, which only saves money if your total itemized deductions exceed the standard deduction.
Smart Record-Keeping Tips
Keep detailed records of all educational expenses:
- Save receipts for every purchase
- Note the date, amount, and purpose
- Track both reimbursed and unreimbursed expenses
Need help maximizing your educator tax benefits? Our team specializes in helping educational professionals navigate tax strategies that work for their unique situations. Contact us to discuss your specific circumstances and ensure you're taking advantage of every deduction available to you.
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DISCLAIMER:
This material has been prepared for informational purposes only, and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for, accounting, legal or tax advice. The services of an appropriate professional should be sought regarding your individual situation.
HYPOTHETICAL DISCLOSURE:
The examples given are hypothetical and for illustrative purposes only.
