Teachers are always searching for creative ways to strengthen their students’ learning experience. Unfortunately, tight school budgets curb many of those extra supports, and educators are often forced to dive into their own pockets to purchase materials.
More than 90% of teachers spend their own money on school supplies and other necessities for their students every year, according to the National Education Association, the largest teacher’s union in the country — and the amount they spend has steadily been creeping higher. However, there is some financial assistance for expenses incurred for classroom materials. According to the IRS, if you’re an eligible educator, you can deduct up to $300 ($600 if married filing jointly and both spouses are eligible educators, but not more than $300 each) of unreimbursed trade or business expenses. You’re an eligible educator if, for the tax year you’re a kindergarten through grade 12 teacher, instructor, counselor, principal or aide for at least 900 hours a school year in a school that provides elementary or secondary education as determined under state law.
Qualified expenses are amounts you paid or incurred for participation in professional development courses, books, supplies, computer equipment (including related software and services), other equipment, and supplementary materials that you use in the classroom. For courses in health or physical education, the expenses for supplies must be for athletic supplies. Qualified expenses also include the amounts for personal protective equipment, disinfectant, and other supplies used for the prevention of the spread of coronavirus. This deduction is for expenses paid or incurred during the tax year. For more information, visit Topic no. 458, Educator expense deduction | Internal Revenue Service (irs.gov)
Teachers can also use a few online resources such as DonorsChoose, Amazon Wish Lists, and Adopt a Classroom to ask for donations. While this may save you some of your own money, it does require an investment of time to set up and repeatedly promote their online campaigns.
