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Teachers & Educator Professionals (PDF, 64 kb)
Our P&L worksheet for your profession.
The Educator Expenses deduction
K-12 teachers, instructors, counselors, principals, and aides who work at least 900 hours in a school year can deduct up to $300 (filer) or $600 (MFJ, both educators) in unreimbursed classroom expenses. This one's above-the-line, you get it whether or not you itemize.
Summer work and side income
Summer tutoring, curriculum consulting, camp counseling, and related income is usually 1099 or self-employment income. Schedule C applies, and self-employment tax runs 15.3% on top of income tax.
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PSLF and the 10-year forgiveness path
Public-school teachers at nonprofit or public employers qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness on federal student loans after 120 qualifying payments on an income-driven plan. Tax planning around income, filing status, and state residency all affect the payment calculation.
Common questions
- What counts for the $300 educator deduction?
- Books, supplies, computer equipment, software, and supplementary materials used in the classroom, plus professional development courses. Anything you'd spend for the students or your teaching work.
- Do I need to itemize for the $300 deduction?
- No. This one is adjustments-to-income (above the line). You claim it whether you take the standard deduction or itemize.