Educators deduction – does home schooling qualify?
Teachers who work more than 900 hours in a school year are entitled to take a tax deduction directly against their total income for education expenses. The deduction is limited to $250. This special deduction is set to expire with year 2009 income tax returns. However, it is expected that the deduction will be not only be extended to subsequent years, but the $250 limit will be increased. In INFO 2003-0204, the IRS took the position that home schooling does not qualify for the eduator’s deduction. The rationale behind the IRS decision is the fact that the “educator deduction” only applies to individuals who are paid teachers and principals. While the home schooling “educator” could be considered a teacher, he or she is not paid for the services.
