Can I Deduct my Homeschool Expenses From my Taxes?

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I get asked this question a lot this time of year, "Can I deduct my homeschool expenses from my taxes?"  A tax-law change the last few years allowing teachers to deduct expenses has caused even more confusion.

The short answer to the questions is, "no."  Here's an explanation from the Homeschool CPA:

The IRS guidelines say to be an eligible educator:

"You work at least 900 hours a school year in a school that provides elementary or secondary education, as determined under state law."

To work means to get paid for your work as a teacher-employee. Homeschool parents are not employees of a school. We do not get paid; we do not get a W-2. The IRS will check for a W-2 from a school if a taxpayer takes the Educator Expense deduction. Homeschoolers would not have a W-2 from a school, even if your state classifies your homeschool as a private school.

Keep in mind that the tax-law changes from year to year.  Just because you are not able to deduct your homeschool expenses at this time doesn't mean that you won't be able to sometime in the future.

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