Urge Congress: Extend the Educator Tax Deduction

In 2002, Congress passed legislation giving teachers and paraprofessionals a $250 federal tax deduction for out-of-pocket expenses for instructional materials and classroom supplies. The deduction, which has been extended for two-years at a time several times, expired again at the end of 2011

While educators may still claim the deduction on their 2011 tax returns, returns, unless Congress acts to extend the deduction, it will not be available in future years.

Educators often reach into their own pockets to purchase classroom supplies because they want to make sure students have what they need to succeed. Studies show that teachers are spending more of their own funds each year to supply their classrooms and purchase essential items such as pencils, glue, scissors, and facial tissues. Many are finding the need to reach into their own pocket has increased in these difficult economic times, as funding cuts lead to shortages in essential supplies and more students come to school without basic learning tools. Many educators must sacrifice other personal needs in order to pay for classroom supplies and instructional materials.

NEA is urging Congress to include an extension of the educator tax deduction in any deal reached to extend the payroll tax “holiday,” which expires at the end of February

Take Action Today: Urge Congress to extend the educator tax deduction as part of any payroll tax deal.