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Educator Expense Deduction Increase
Since 2002, education professionals have been able to claim a deduction of up to $250 per year for qualified classroom expenses. For tax year 2022, the maximum deduction amount has increased for the first time, to $300. Joint return filers who are both educators may deduct up to $300 per spouse.
You may qualify for this deduction if you work as a teacher, counselor, principal or aide for grades K-12 in a public or private school. You generally must work at the school for at least 900 hours during the school year.
Eligible classroom expenses include:
- Books, supplies and materials that you purchase for classroom use
- Classroom equipment, including computers, peripherals and software
- Items such as hand sanitizer and masks purchased to prevent the spread of COVID-19
Tuition and fees for professional development courses may also qualify for the Educator Expense Deduction. However, you may get a larger tax benefit by claiming the Lifelong Learning Credit or a different deduction for these costs.