Record Keeping

• Keep records for any expenses incurred during the year directly related to your teaching career. Receipts and other documents should be together in a file or envelope so you can use them to complete tax documents. Also, you will need your receipts if the IRS selects you for an audit.
  
  

Allowable Deductions

• Deductible expenses may include alumni association dues, professional organization dues, teaching license fees, union dues, teacher liability insurance, parent-teacher association dues, continuing education expenses (fees, tuition and books), travel expenses incurred for continuing education classes or seminars, and any classroom supplies purchased with your own money. Classroom supplies may include copy paper, art supplies, DVD rentals, books, decorations, newspapers, magazines, computer software, student rewards and awards, party supplies and stationery.
  
  

Standard Deduction

• If you are a teacher who has worked at least 900 hours during the previous school year, you can take a teacher deduction of up to $250 on your 1040 form without itemizing deductions. If you and your spouse teach, both can take the teacher deduction of up to $250 each.
  
  

Itemized Deductions

• You can itemize any expenses in excess of $250 on Schedule A. Before choosing to itemize deductions, weigh your options. It is only beneficial to itemize deductions if they total more than your standard deductions. Standard deductions vary according to marital status.