Teachers encouraged to write off expenses, but is it enough?

The Internal Revenue Service is reminding educators that they can write off up to $300 in unreimbursed expenses for the classroom. While the amount is not considered a credit, it does allow teachers to reduce their taxable income, knocking a few dollars off their annual tax bill. 

The IRS said the following items are among those teachers can claim:

- Books, supplies and other materials used in the classroom

- Equipment, including computer equipment, software and services

- COVID-19 protective items (hand sanitizer and disposable gloves)

- Professional development courses related to the curriculum they teach or the students they teach

Eligible educators include teachers, principals, aides and instructors who spend 900 hours a year in the classroom. While public and private school teachers are eligible, home school parents are not. 

These businesses offer teachers back-to-school discounts

These businesses offer teachers back-to-school discounts

The average teacher spent $820 during the 2022-23 school year on classroom supplies, but discounts can help combat those costs.

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"As with all deductions and credits, the IRS reminds educators to keep good records, including receipts, canceled checks and other documentation," the IRS said. 

2023 marks the second year in a row the deduction is $300. The amount could go up in $50 increments in future years based on inflation. 

But it seems for the average teacher, $300 would not be enough to cover most expenses.

According to a survey by My eLearning World, the average teacher spent $820 during the 2022-2023 school year on classroom supplies. The money spent on classrooms is split between consumable supplies such as pencils, decorations, books, software and other school necessities.