Tax Filing for Teachers
Teachers have the same IRS income tax filing requirements as any other taxpayer. However, to avail yourself of some of the deductions and credits that relate to your employment as a teacher, you must file your taxes on IRS Form 1040, as these tax benefits are unavailable to those who file using Forms 1040EZ and 1040A.
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Classroom Supplies Deduction
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The IRS allows all teachers, regardless of whether they itemize expenses or not, a deduction of up to $250 for the out-of-pocket costs of purchasing supplies for use in the classroom. This can include most educational supplies from books to educational computer software. To qualify, the IRS requires that you be employed for at least 900 hours during the school year as a teacher, principal, aide, instructor or counselor. If you spend more than $250 during the year, the excess is still deductible, but only if you itemize deductions on Schedule A.
Research Expenses
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If you teach at a college or university, you can deduct all of your research expenses as an itemized miscellaneous expense. The total of your miscellaneous expenses are only deductible to the extent it exceeds 2 percent of your adjusted gross income. These costs can include paying for access to research facilities or websites, printing and even your travel expenses when you go to academic conferences. However, to deduct travel expenses, the purpose of your trip must relate to topics you teach at the school.
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Personal Vehicle Mileage
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Teachers oftentimes take their students on field trips and serve as chaperones for after-school activities. If engaging in these activities requires you to use a personal vehicle, the IRS allows you to deduct some of your car expenses. The easiest way to calculate your deduction is to multiply the IRS standard mileage rate by the total miles you drive that relate to your teaching position. Only the miles you drive in a day in addition to your round-trip commute from your home to the school will qualify. For example, if instead of driving to the school in the morning you drive straight to the location of a field trip, then these miles are nondeductible since it is considered part of your normal commute.
Continuing Education
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As is common with many teachers, you may return to school at some point to obtain new teaching skills or to begin a master's degree. Regardless of the program of study or whether it ultimately results in you earning another degree, you may be eligible to claim the lifetime learning credit for your expenses. The credit offers a dollar-for-dollar reduction of your income tax bill and is calculated as 20 percent of the first $10,000 you spend during the tax year for tuition and any books and supplies that the school requires you to purchase from it. There is no limit to this credit; it is available to you in any year you incur these expenses, even if it takes you 15 years to complete your program. If you do claim the credit, be sure to fill out IRS Form 8863 and attach it to your tax return.
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