While filing our taxes last night, husband called me over to look over things, and he pointed out to me that you don't get anything, nothing, zip, nadda, not a thing for homeschooling. He tried to put in expenses for curriculum and such and it wouldn't allow it. That just annoys the crap outta me, because I'm paying for the majority of the country's children to go to these public schools that I despise...I think a little bump in my tax check isn't asking too much!! :twisted: okay...sorry...mild irk:roll:
We claimed the $250 credit each as a teacher tax credit. On the IRS website, it states that any teacher of a public or private school is eligible to claim it, and in Texas, homeschools are private schools. We can EACH claim it, and so we did. It didn't make a difference for us this year, but it may in the future. And, I agree, we should be able to deduct educational expenses.
When I did my taxes it specifically stated that every teacher/education expenses are allowed except homeschool. It was in the fine print. It doesn't bother me too much, because one way or another I am still going to school my children. Also if we get credits from the gov. then they will start to have more control. Well at least that is the way I see it.
Yeah, this comes up every year, and as far as I know it's STILL not allowed to claim homeschool expenses. Maybe someone should lobby for it! (I have no clue how to do that) I agree, I'm glad we can homeschool, I love it, and I'm willing to pay taxes and "render to Caesar" if I get to homeschool my kids!
The IRS strictly forbids using Homeschool expenses to get tax credit. The State of Texas may view you as a private school, but the federal gov't does not. Missouri also sees homeschoolers as private schools, but anyone who knows their stuff about homeschool law in Missouri will tell you in no uncertain terms that the IRS will find fault if they catch you claiming homeschool expenses. FYI, the reason that teachers can claim school supplies is because it's an expense related to employment. Much the same way that I could claim new dance shoes when I taught dance or a box of envelopes for Pampered Chef. Homeschooling is not employment (work for monetary compensation), so the expenses related to it are not "necessary" or deductible. (for the record, the IRS lists homeschooling as a hobby).
Public school teachers are allowed the $250 tax credit but homeschoolers are not recognized in this. I wish I could use it but for now I'm happy to homeschool without the government control.
I guess I also figure that this is just a parenting expense. We can't claim diapers, toys, clothing, etc, and homeschool books fit the same category to me.
DITTO! Besides, when the govt. gets involved is when they start telling you what you can buy and teach your children with regard to curriculum. For me, I would prefer no tax credit and prefer the govt keep their nose out of my kids' education.
Claiming the $250 teacher tax credit for homeschooling expenses is 100% illegal and if you get audited you'll have to take it out. If you don't believe me, write or call the IRS and ask. They do not allow it because they don't consider homeschool teachers qualified educators. I am 100% against tax credits for homeschoolers actually. I could write a book but I think I'll stop except to say that it can't just be tax credits for homeschoolers. It has to be tax credits for anyone who doesn't use the public school system. I cannot support tax credits for anyone and everyone that doesn't use the public school system. That would be erroneous and irresponsible citizenship. ;-)
Well, if I wasn't homeschooling, my kids would be in a private school and we would be spending more than I do currently on Homeschool supplies. So, it is a wash in my humble opinion.
That's a good point. If we start to get any kind of credit, then we'll have to start dealing with some kind of government control. I say, if it ain't broke, you know the rest!
Not necessarily or not necessarily in the way that we think. There are two bills in committee right now that would involve getting a tax credit towards qualified educational purposes. That undoubtedly would exclude let's say Bible curriculum. Well Bible Curriculum is 1/18th of my hsing budget if even that. I would technically have tons of other educational expenses. That's not saying I can't teach bible. . .it's just saying I won't get reimbursed for materials I purchase. I could however, get reimbursed for things like ballet class, art classes etc. bc the state specifically requires that they be taught. . .hope that is making sense. Just to be clear, the bills are not written to exclude any subject. . .I was just using that for arguments' sake. I am totally opposed to one and in favor of the other as it's written (406 I think it is). But as we know, how it enters committee is not necessarily how it leaves committee. ;-)
Although we operate as a private school, we are not a funded school, private or state. For this reason we can't claim it. Homeschooling is our choice. We are not getting paid to operate. It is a choice.
This very issue is why I'm in FAVOR of the FAIR TAX. It removes the government's partiality or persecution due to it's institutional agenda. (Fairtax.org, if you're interested) Homeschool families tend to be a little bigger, on the average, than secular families. They would also benefit. Let's hope this "economic stimulus" package pays off, eh? Those of us with bigger families will be smiling brighter!
I assume you mean homeschooling families vs traditional schooling families? And if so, I'm not really sure that's true. Or do you mean religious families vs. secular families. That would make sense bc many religious families oppose birth control which LOL often results in lots of children. ;-) But there are secular homeschoolers. ;-) Not everyone homeschools based on religion.
i am ok with not being able to deduct because I do not want them to have any say in my childrens education.
FYI, if you have a home business, you can get away with deducting many of your school supplies under that heading. Things like paper, or a new printer, or new computer. Or even paper clips, calendars, etc. It's murky waters, but my tax guy (gal, actually), told me to do it. I didn't simply because I already broke even in my business because of other big ticket items this year (millage, new computer, and van maintenance.)
