2008 Out-of-pocket deduction for teachers

Teachers get a popular break extended

This break, good for 2008 and 2009, lets teachers claim up to $250 of unreimbursed expenses as a deduction. And they don't have to itemize.

The financial bailout legislation passed in the fall of 2008 extended a popular tax break for teachers for 2008 and 2009.

The bill was to expire after 2007. As with a host of popular breaks, Congress decided to make taxpayers happy.

The educator expense deduction allows teachers and other educators to deduct the cost of books, supplies, equipment and software used in the classroom.

Eligible educators include those who work at least 900 hours during a school year as a teacher, instructor, counselor, principal or aide in a public or private elementary or secondary school.

Worth up to $250, the educator expense deduction is available whether or not the educator itemizes deductions on Schedule A.

For more information, check Tax Topic 458 (.pdf file).

Rate this Article

Click on one of the stars below to rate this article from 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest). LowRate it 1Rate it 2Rate it 3Rate it 4Rate it 5High