LIBERTYVILLE – State Senator Mary Edly-Allen is reminding taxpayers that they may be able to claim school expenses for their K-12 students on their 2023 Illinois individual income tax returns.

“Parents and educators alike should take advantage of these tax benefits to help offset the rising costs of education and materials,” said Edly-Allen (D-Libertyville). “I know firsthand as both a parent and former educator how difficult it can be to cover education costs and student expenses.”

The Illinois Education Expense Credit allows parents or legal guardians of a full-time K-12 student to take a 25% tax credit on qualified education expenses over $250 this year, up to $750 per household. Qualified educational expenses include tuition, book rental, and lab fees in excess of $250 paid to the school where the student is enrolled on a full-time basis. For homeschooled students, book rental, and lab fees greater than $250 are eligible when attending a qualified home school program.

The K-12 Instructional Materials and Supplies Tax Credit allows eligible teachers of full-time K-12 students to receive a tax break for qualified expenses on classroom materials paid during the taxable year. To qualify, taxpayers must be teachers, instructors, counselors, principals, or aides for at least 900 hours during a school year. Increasing from last year, they can now claim a credit up to $500 for qualified expenses they paid in the current taxable year. If spouses are both educators and are filing jointly, the maximum credit is $1,000.

“Investing in our classrooms and students is vital,” said Edly-Allen. “I hope these tax credits will help alleviate some of the financial burden shouldered by our teachers and parents. I hope to see more taxpayers participating in this credit.”

To learn more about the Illinois Education Expense Credit, visit IDOR's website at tax.illinois.gov.