Under the IRS tax law, teachers and their aides can deduct up to $250 of qualified expenses. Eligible supplies must be "ordinary and necessary" and they include unreimbursed costs for books, computer equipment including software and services, supplies, and other materials used in the classroom.

You do not need to explicitly itemize the expenses. It is recommended that you keep all of your receipts and documentation in a folder labeled "Educator Deductions" and the applicable year. You must work in public or private elementary or secondary schools for at least 900 hours as a teacher, instructor, counselor, principal or aide.

IMPORTANT: you get this deduction even if you don’t itemize.

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