Educators Can Deduct Up to $300 in Out-of-Pocket Classroom Expenses in 2022
For 2022, the maximum expense deduction eligible educators may take for qualifying out-of-pocket classroom expenses has increased to $300, even if they take the standard deduction. Educators who are married and file a joint return with another eligible educator can deduct up to $600 (but no more than $300 for each spouse).
This is the first time the educator expense deduction has increased since it was enacted in 2002, at $250. The IRS said the limit will rise in $50 increments in future years, based on inflation adjustments. However, note that, due to the way the inflation adjustment is computed, multiple years may pass before an increase occurs.
Eligible educators include anyone who is a kindergarten through grade 12 teacher, instructor, aide, counselor, or principal in a private or public school for at least 900 hours during the school year.
Qualified expenses include the unreimbursed cost of:
- Books, supplies, and other classroom materials
- Equipment, including computer equipment, software, and services
- COVID-19 prevention items, including face masks, disinfectant, hand sanitizer, disposable gloves, air purifiers, etc.
The cost of professional development courses related to the curriculum or students the educator teaches is also considered a qualified expense; however, the IRS notes that it may be more beneficial to claim another educational tax benefit, such as the lifetime learning credit. See Publication 970, Tax Benefits for Education, particularly Chapter 3.
Qualified expenses do not include:
- Costs related to homeschooling
- Expenses related to nonathletic supplies for courses in health or physical education
Note that the $300 maximum educator expense deduction is for 2022 tax returns. The $250 limit must be used for 2021 and prior tax returns.
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