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Lessons in Back-to-School Tax Breaks
Teachers, Parents, and College Students Benefit From Available Deductions and Credits for 2007.
National Association of Tax Professionals (NATP) Appleton, WI – With children and teachers back in
school, the National Association of Tax Professionals (NATP) reminds educators, parents, and
students that the IRS has various education-related deductions and credits that can benefit them
when filing their 2007 federal income tax return.
“The start of the school year is a good time to remind parents, students, and teachers to save all
receipts related to tax-advantaged education expenses,” said IRS Acting Commissioner Linda Stiff.
“Good recordkeeping makes sense because it can help avoid missing a deduction or credit at tax
time.”
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 the
public or private elementary or secondary school.
For 2007, educators can deduct up to $250 for supplies, whether or not deductions are itemized on
their Schedule A. According to a study prepared by the Quality Education Data, Inc., teachers
nationally spend an average of $475 of their own money on classroom supplies and materials each
year. Currently, this deduction is scheduled to expire at the end of this year.
College Cost Deductions and Tax Credits Help Students and Their Parents.
The IRS presently has three key tax breaks including the tuition and fees deduction, the Hope
Credit, and the Lifetime Learning Credit, all designed to help parents and students pay for the cost of
post-secondary education.
The Hope Credit is a tax credit for college students in their first two years of college. It provides a tax
credit of up to $1,650 on the first $2,200 of college tuition and fees. The Lifetime Learning Credit is a
tax credit for any person who takes college classes. It provides a tax credit of up to $2,000 on the
first $10,000 of college tuition and fees. Unlike the Hope Credit, you only need to be enrolled in at
least one course to qualify. Income limits and other special rules apply to each of these provisions.
“Generally speaking, a tax credit is worth more than a tax deduction,” explained Cindy Hockenberry,
EA, NATP Tax Information Analyst. “A tax credit reduces your tax liability dollar for dollar, while a
deduction reduces taxes on a percentage basis depending on your marginal tax bracket.”
Eligible parents and students looking for more information about these education tax breaks should
refer to the IRS Publication 970, Tax Benefits for Education. It can be found on the web at IRS.gov,
or can be requested, free of charge, by calling the IRS at 1.800.TAX.FORM (820-3676).
Teachers, Parents, and College Students Benefit From Available Deductions and Credits for 2007.
National Association of Tax Professionals (NATP) Appleton, WI – With children and teachers back in
school, the National Association of Tax Professionals (NATP) reminds educators, parents, and
students that the IRS has various education-related deductions and credits that can benefit them
when filing their 2007 federal income tax return.
“The start of the school year is a good time to remind parents, students, and teachers to save all
receipts related to tax-advantaged education expenses,” said IRS Acting Commissioner Linda Stiff.
“Good recordkeeping makes sense because it can help avoid missing a deduction or credit at tax
time.”
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 the
public or private elementary or secondary school.
For 2007, educators can deduct up to $250 for supplies, whether or not deductions are itemized on
their Schedule A. According to a study prepared by the Quality Education Data, Inc., teachers
nationally spend an average of $475 of their own money on classroom supplies and materials each
year. Currently, this deduction is scheduled to expire at the end of this year.
College Cost Deductions and Tax Credits Help Students and Their Parents.
The IRS presently has three key tax breaks including the tuition and fees deduction, the Hope
Credit, and the Lifetime Learning Credit, all designed to help parents and students pay for the cost of
post-secondary education.
The Hope Credit is a tax credit for college students in their first two years of college. It provides a tax
credit of up to $1,650 on the first $2,200 of college tuition and fees. The Lifetime Learning Credit is a
tax credit for any person who takes college classes. It provides a tax credit of up to $2,000 on the
first $10,000 of college tuition and fees. Unlike the Hope Credit, you only need to be enrolled in at
least one course to qualify. Income limits and other special rules apply to each of these provisions.
“Generally speaking, a tax credit is worth more than a tax deduction,” explained Cindy Hockenberry,
EA, NATP Tax Information Analyst. “A tax credit reduces your tax liability dollar for dollar, while a
deduction reduces taxes on a percentage basis depending on your marginal tax bracket.”
Eligible parents and students looking for more information about these education tax breaks should
refer to the IRS Publication 970, Tax Benefits for Education. It can be found on the web at IRS.gov,
or can be requested, free of charge, by calling the IRS at 1.800.TAX.FORM (820-3676).