10/19/2026
Educators Have New Options to Deduct 2026 Classroom Expenses – Did You Know?
If you work as a K–12 teacher, instructor, counselor, principal or aide for at least 900 hours during the school year at a qualifying school, you may be able to deduct qualifying unreimbursed classroom expenses on your tax return.
For 2026, eligible educators may deduct up to $350 of qualifying expenses as an above-the-line deduction without itemizing, or up to $700 for a married couple filing jointly if both qualify, with a limit of $350 each.
Additionally, a new itemized deduction is available beginning in 2026 for educator expenses, with no separate dollar cap. You must itemize deductions to claim this additional deduction. It is also available to interscholastic sports administrators and coaches who meet the K–12 school and 900-hour requirements, and may cover additional expenses.
Eligible educators may claim both deductions, as long as the expenses used to figure each deduction do not overlap. A tax professional can help you determine whether you qualify and which deduction strategy yields the greatest possible tax savings.
