For the first time in 20 years(!), the allowable deduction for out-of-pocket classroom supplies has increased, from $250 to $300.
If you are a grades K-12 counselor, teacher, aide, instructor, or principal in a public or private school for at least 900 hours during the school year, you are eligible to deduct up to $300 of out-of-pocket classroom expenses for 2022. If you and your spouse are both educators and file a joint return, you may deduct $600 total for classroom expenses.
What’s changed? From the time this deduction was enacted in 2002 until 2021, the limit was $250 per year. Based on inflation, the deduction will continue to increase in $50 increments for future tax years.
What is eligible for reimbursement?
- Books, supplies and other classroom materials
- Computer/tech equipment, including software and services
- Protective items specifically for use against COVID-19, such as hand sanitizer, face masks, hand soap, disinfectants, disposable gloves, items for social distancing guidelines (e.g. tape, paint, or chalk), clear plexiglass as a barrier, air purifiers, and other items recommended by the CDC.
- Professional development courses related to the curriculum or the students you teach (though it may be more beneficial to claim the lifetime learning credit).
What is not an eligible expense?
- Home schooling costs
- Nonathletic supplies for courses in health or physical education
Want more tax advice and help with tax prep? Reach out and find out how Specialty Bookkeepers & Tax can help you find every eligible deduction.