Educators Reminded About 2022 Educator Expense Deduction Rise, IR-2022-148

The IRS reminded educators that they will be able to deduct up to $300 of out-of-pocket classroom expenses when they file their federal income tax return for tax year 2022. This is the first time the annual limit has increased since 2002. For tax years 2002 through 2021, the limit was $250 per year (or, if married filing jointly with another educator, $500, but not more than $250 for each spouse). The limit will rise in $50 increments in future years based on inflation adjustments.

Educators can claim this deduction even if they take the standard deduction. Eligible educators include anyone who is a kindergarten through grade 12 teacher, instructor, counsellor, principal, or aide in a school for at least 900 hours during the school year. Both public and private school educators qualify. Educators can deduct the unreimbursed cost of:

• Books, supplies, and other materials used in the classroom;
• Equipment, including computer equipment, software, and services;
• COVID-19 protective items to stop the spread of the disease in the classroom; and
• Professional development courses related to the curriculum they teach or the students they teach.

Qualified expenses do not include expenses for home schooling or nonathletic supplies for courses in health or physical education. The IRS urged taxpayers to file electronically and choose direct deposit for any refund. IRS also urged the taxpayers to make use of its electronic payment platforms such as IRS Direct Pay for speed and convenience in making tax payments. Finally, the IRS reminded taxpayers who had requested more time to file their returns that the deadline is October 17, 2022, and has urged them to file it at the earliest and electronically to avoid delay in processing the returns.